I have been working on a new model, the next release to come from Arty Duck Studio will be the Ball Haye Green War Memorial.

The model is still in the development phase, as I’m currently designing it so the gates can be optional for customers to display either open or without them attached. This part of the process has been quite challenging and has involved several rounds of testing, but I’ve finally managed to achieve the result I was aiming for.

The plan is also to include the bronze plaque on the model in sticker form, similar to the clock faces used on the Nicholson War Memorial model.

The Butter Cross in Leek, Staffordshire, is a historic, Grade II listed (and Scheduled Monument) cross situated in the Market Place.

• Movements and Relocations: The cross was moved to Leek Cemetery during the 19th century. In 1986, it was returned to its present location in the Market Place.

• Original Purpose: Like many "Butter Crosses" in England, this structure served as a market landmark where farmers and their wives sold dairy products.

• Historical Significance: The cross is a remnant of Leek's ancient market history.

• Location: Market Place, Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands.
  
  Available to purchase on the shop page

The Leek Lion is a proud and historic landmark that has watched over the town for generations—and now it’s the inspiration for my next Arty Duck Studio creation!

A Brief History
The lion statue was originally commissioned for Alton Towers by the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury, adding a touch of grandeur to the famous estate.

In the 1920s, the town of Leek purchased the statue during a sale at Alton Towers and brought it home, where it quickly became a beloved local symbol.

For many years, the lion stood proudly on a tall plinth in Brough Park, overlooking the town then later a ground level where many children were seen sitting on the back of statue. Later it was relocated to a more accessible spot, where visitors can admire it up close, Outside the Moorlands House building.

That’s it folks — 100 made, 100 sold!

In June last year, I set out on a very ambitious project: to recreate the Nicholson War Memorial in model form. At the beginning, it was only meant to be a personal project — but after sharing a photo here, the response was incredible.

After showing prototypes to Leek Town Council, we agreed that a limited run would make the piece even more special. With it being the centenary year, I decided that only 100 would be made.

I’ve had so much support along the way from the amazing people of Leek — Steve Owen, Dave Swarbrook, Jean Fisher — and my partner (for putting up with all the models scattered around the house!). Your knowledge, patience, and encouragement meant everything throughout this project.

The models proved incredibly popular in the lead-up to the centenary. At one point, I was struggling to keep up with demand — but I did it! I even had the pleasure of meeting many customers in person while hand-delivering local orders. For collections, Leek Town Council kindly offered their office on Stockwell Street — thank you Denise and Victoria for your help.

One model has gone to the Nicholson family, and another has travelled all the way to Leek’s twin town, Esté, where it’s now on display in the council office — something I never imagined would happen.

Once again, thank you everyone for your support — it truly means a lot.

The Big Mill, Leek, Model by Arty Duck Studio.

This was always going to be my next project after finishing the Nicholson Institute model.

The Big Mill model was created to sit alongside my previous pieces, the Nicholson War Memorial, and the recently released Nicholson Institute, all part of my ongoing work to capture and preserve local history through scale models.

I had planned to share this over the weekend of the 27/03/2026...

But after the tragic fire on the friday evening 27/03/2026 and the damage that led to the demolition of the Big Mill, it just didn’t feel like the right time.

30/03/2026 will go down as a significant day in the history of Leek with the big mill being fully demolished.

It really got me thinking, future generations will now only ever see the Big Mill in photos and videos. They’ll never experience what it was like, or fully understand what it meant to the town. It was such an important part of Leek’s textile industry, one of its backbones.

Like many, I only ever knew it in its later years when it was in poor condition… but even then, it still had real character. A building with history. Designed by William Sugden, it stood as a reminder of the town’s industrial past.

This model is my tribute to the Big Mill.

1857 – 2026

"Leek sky line will never be the same"

Announcement

The Nicholson Institute items are now LIVE on my shop page!

Please note: There are limited numbers of each colour at the moment. If something shows as out of stock, bear with me—I’ll be making more soon.

Available now:

- Nicholson Institute model

- Nicholson Institute keyrings

- Mini Nicholson Institute models

- Christmas decoration (yes… already! )

I’m currently in talks with OUTSIDE to get back to the market stall very soon. Keep an eye on my socials for updates.