Cut it, Fold it: Build it with Paper
Empire State Building Published by Julius Gisler, USA, about 1939 (click image for larger version)
9 October 2010 – 9 January 2011
This exhibition is the first public showing of Robert Freidus’ collection of architectural paper
models. Featuring nearly 200 examples of model buildings – from iconic landmarks such as
the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building and Stonehenge, to more everyday structures, including
schools, shops and windmills – Cut it, Fold it is a must see for paper enthusiasts young and old.
Collecting and making paper models has been a popular pastime since the later part of the eighteenth century, with companies such as Pellerin, Schreiber, Micromodels and Milton Bradley in Europe and America producing some of the most collectible versions.
The exhibition is divided into three areas. The first concentrates on architects, architecture and paper models produced specifically for adults. The second is a display of a model town, exploring how in addition to famous landmarks, schools and shops, stations and windmills were also very popular to collect and make. The third theme looks at paper models produced for children, and how they have been adapted over time to make them easier to play with.
As part of the exhibition, visitors will be invited to make their own 3D paper buildings as part of a giant collaborative cityscape.
Collection kindly lent and donated by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Robert Freidus
Bob Freidus Q&A
Here, paper model collector Robert Freidus offers some advice about collecting paper models, and tells us which he'd save in a fire!
Cut it, Fold it Gallery
Take a closer look at some of the architectural paper models featured in new exhibition Cut it, Fold it: Build it with Paper.
