The Battle of Clontarf

The Battle of Clontarf exhibition has a brand new scale model of Viking Dublin. For people who don’t know much about scale models, like me, I sat down with The History Man Daniel O’Neill last week to get some insight on how the project came together.

Who is Daniel O’Neill?

Dan is one of the world’s leading designer and model maker with over 25 years’ experience in the field. Dan told me how he worked for the IIRS for several years before taking  2 years off to train as a commercial pilot.

However it was not what he taught it would be and he finally figured out that his true calling in life was art and scale model design.

He has a huge list of clients both big and small.

Dan was the lead designer behind our very impressive scale model of Medieval Dublin.

How do you make the models?

You must remember that not everything is the same and you have to take that into account when it comes to building a model. You must mass produce models otherwise you will be at all your life.

What materials do you use?

Plaster of paris it the best material to work with, if its left alone and not touched it will last a lifetime. Other materials like timber expand over time which can lead to the model being damaged.

What do you enjoy the most when designing a scale model?

I love to put my own mark on things! When I make a scale model for a museum I love to place a modern detail inside model.

When I designed the medieval scale model for Dublinia 20 years ago I put in a modern detail that you would see today and it is still to be found.

How does it all come together?

You build a model section by section and place a silicone model of the design then you can cover it in plaster of paris and add detail.

How long does it take?

It took me 5 to 6 months to finish the model of medieval Dublin. I was working 12 hour days most of the time in order to get it finished.

The new scale model of Viking Dublin took 5 weeks because it is smaller.

What is the most important factor when it comes to the finished product?

Lighting is the most important factor when it comes to model making. If the light is too bright you will see everything from little cracks to brush strokes.

So why don't you come down to Dublinia and check out our new scale model!!!

See can you find Dan's hidden secret :)