City of Lake Forest Writer The History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff’s new exhibit The Art of the Miniature, opens Saturday, Nov. 12. This exhibition explores the craft of miniature making through the lens of Lake Forest resident Narcissa Niblack Thorne, her workshop and the many artisans and craftsmen who brought her visions to life before she passed away in 1966.
Lake Forest resident Narcissa Niblack Thorne possessed the vision to create miniature rooms, some of which will be on display at the History Center.
“Lake Forest has so many personal connections to the world of miniatures,” says Laurie Stein, Deputy Director and Head of Curation at the History Center. “Through Narcissa Thorne herself, a resident for years, but also through local collectors of her work and other past artists and creators, such as Petite Maison gallery.”
With rarely exhibited original Thorne miniatures and with contemporary masterpieces from The Kupjack Studios, museum visitors will explore how miniatures are made and learn more about their historical context.
"In The Art of the Miniature, we magnify the work of the talented artists, craftspeople, and designers who executed the Thorne Miniature Rooms at The Art Institute,” says Guest Curator Madeline Crispell. “Visitors will see Narcissa Thorne's projects in a new context by exploring the craft of miniature making–a centuries-old art, still evolving today." A preview event with speakers will take place Friday, Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at The History Center, which is located at 509 East Deerpath in Lake Forest. Register at https://lflbhistory.org/conversation-craftsmen-art-miniature. For more information visit lflbhistory.org.