Nestled within a one-bedroom flat in Birmingham lies an extraordinary, miniature universe. For decades, Ken Bonham, a 79-year-old retired teacher, has meticulously crafted a vast collection of memory boxes and dioramas, transforming souvenirs and photographs from his travels with his wife into captivating three-dimensional art.
A Lifelong Passion for Model Making
Bonham's fascination with crafting began in childhood, inspired by his grandfather who would bring bags of wood offcuts and his father, a metal polisher at Daimler. This early spark ignited a lifelong hobby that now fills his home. His creations, ranging from models of barns, castles, and churches made from cork and balsa wood to intricate 3D card elevations from his own photos, celebrate architecture, geography, and art history with a touch of personal satire.
"It's the story of my life," Bonham said of the collection that dominates the flat he shares with his wife of 54 years, Maggie. The dioramas are partly inspired by his years teaching integrated studies to schoolchildren, a career that clearly shaped his interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to art.
Memory Boxes: Capturing a Lifetime of Travel
The project of creating memory boxes began in earnest for his wife Maggie's 60th birthday. Instead of a diamond ring, she requested a trip to Italy. The journey sparked a love for Rome and Italian culture, which Bonham commemorated by making his first display. This set a precedent: now, from every holiday, they collect postcards, museum tickets, and miniature figures.
Upon returning home, Bonham artistically arranges these mementoes into themed boxes. Some hang on the wall, while others stand on shelves. Highlights of his collection include a box from a Paris visit, another from a train trip through the south of France to Avignon, and a detailed Irish tribute featuring Celtic crosses, model monasteries, and a mini bottle of Guinness.
His British memory box is a particularly grand piece, measuring 4ft by 3ft. It contains childhood toy soldiers, vintage cars, sand from various beaches, iconic matchboxes, a red telephone box, and a London bus model, creating a nostalgic tapestry of national identity.
Spreading Joy and Building a Following
Bonham's craft extends beyond his home, bringing seasonal delight to his local community. Each Christmas, he uses collected and handcrafted items to build nativity scenes for the foyer of his apartment block, much to the pleasure of his neighbours. His positive and creative outlook has also garnered a loyal following on Facebook, where he shares his work, steering clear of political debate to focus on the joy of creation.
At 79, Ken Bonham's Birmingham flat stands as a testament to a life richly observed and artistically preserved. Through miniature worlds and memory boxes, he has built not just models, but a tangible, beautiful narrative of a shared life of adventure and learning.
