History

Around 1960 I started with modelling and in combination with this I learnt the practice of building diorama's.
This eventually lead to the collecting of antique toy figurines.
During the searches for these figures I eventually got into contact with the world of the tin toy soldier which could also be cast personally.
At first untill around 1983 I mainly kept myself busy with casting 40mm figurines with the help of so-called schildkröt forms.

After a while I started painting these aswell and in 1983 I became a member of the 'Deutsche Gesellschaft der Freunde und Sammler Kulturhistorischer Zinnfiguren or ( "KLIO") and through the extra contacts I acquired I collected more and more knowledge concerning the area of these Historically correct figures.
From that year on I also started collecting 30mm "flat" figures and larger Vitrine figures.
These figures have also been painted by me personally.

From the start the main theme of my collection has mostly been based on Militaria, including French garde regiments from the period of the first Empire 1810 till 1815.
As close as possible with matching Marching chapels and tête de Colonne.
This collection consists not only out of antique 'Heinrichsen', 'Mohr' and other figures, but also out of more recent cast and market released figures.
After a few years I've also added civilian figures to my collection, whith themes like fashion, Mongols, Middle ages etc..

By taking several courses in the specialization of painting techniques at the Museum of tinfigurines 'Plassenburg' in Kulmbach (Germany) I've come in contact with tinfigures of 54mm and larger.
From then on these figures have also found a place in my collection, but without a certain theme.
During 1995 I was inducted into the 'Förderverein für das Deutsche Zinnfigurenmuseum' in Kulmbach and through that I've been able to become even more active in the world of tinfigures.
Since then I have also been painting figures for other people besides myself and making small action scenes.
Besides this I have also gained a lot of experience concerning oilpainting techniques and the photography of these figures, for manuals and catalogs.