Every Past Mastery dummy board (or silent companion) miniature or full sized, is carefully hand cut and painted in oils, then lightly distressed and varnished to give an antiqued appearance.They have the odd knock and scratch that the historical originals would have acquired over centuries of wear and tear.This sense of having had 'a life' gives a certain charm to a PastMastery dummy board figure.The miniature replica dummy boards, where possible, have the same construction as the full sized originals and are made of basswood. This full sized figure is Elié, the hard-working servant girl. ( see- Dummy Boards page )

Each figure is unique and is signed by Susanne, the painter and Stephen, the finisher. Each also has a label describing its historical framework. Seen from the back, the figure is completely finished in a neutral background colour. All the hand painted miniature figures have a seal of authenticity on the back or in the display box. All commissions are signed and dated and limited edition figures are also numbered.

The sturdy support structure is clearly visible on the larger figures. Fine brass hinges and screws are used to secure the pieces. Historical dummy boards were often made of very thick wood and are consequently very heavy, ours are thinner and lighter.

Dummy boards in the past were often made with a feathered edge; we have replicated this bevel to create the illusion that the figure is three-dimensional and recedes into the background. Many of the historical figures were secured to a wall with a strut and a hook and eye; ours are free standing and cast convincing shadows when placed close to a wall, in the right light conditions. Other figures of the past were set into rebated bases ( see Tobias and Matilda or John Thursby on the Dummy Board page or look at Magdalena at the bottom of the FAQs page. There is also an image of an antique figure with this kind of stand on this page ). PastMastery figures can also be made with this sort of support should you wish.

This view shows the figure from the side. With this sort of support and when not in use, each dummy board figure can be folded and stored flat, a real space-saver. The hinged support structure also makes them easy to move from room to room should you wish.

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