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Peter and Gilly Greenhill make heraldic miniature knights for collectors. These are two inch tin soldiers made of pewter, primarily of mediaeval figures from the hundred years war of the middle ages These may at a glance appear to be toy soldiers, but in fact were designed as models made for the connoisseur market early in the twentieth century by the late Richard Courtenay.
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Peter and Gilly established Greenhill Miniatures in May 1977 and in February 1978 they purchased the original brass moulds of the late Richard Courtenay who had produced miniature Knights, portraitures of English Royalty, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, Egyptians, Philistines and mounted jockeys until his death in 1963. Today's Courtenays are called "Courtenay-Greenhills" and are cast in the finest high grade (tin rich) pewter, instead of lead as used by their predecessors. |
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Peter has studied heraldry since he first visited the College of Arms in London in 1952 at the age of seventeen. He was conscripted into the Intelligence Corps in 1954 serving in Egypt until 1956. He was a professional cartoonist and caricaturist, and studied sculpture at St Martin's School of Art under (Dame) Elizabeth Frink. In the sixties he became a London fashion and beauty photographer in the advertising business. Gilly, who was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, was a professional actress for twenty-five years up until 1982. Between them they also ran the British Toymakers Guild for eight years in the seventies, acquiring an extensive knowledge of different craft disciplines which they have been able to utilize in the enhancement of their work in the miniatures field. Peter is a member or the Heraldry Society and founder member of the Society of Heraldic Arts and has been Chairman for the last four years. |
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Peters' book "Heraldic Miniature Knights" was published by the Guild of Master Craftsmen in 1991 and has become required reference material on the subject on both sides of the Atlantic.The book is in full colour, approximately 8.75 x 11.75 inches and contains dozens of colour photographs and drawings many being full page plates. |
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Greenhill Miniatures produce an eleven page catalogue containing black and white sketches of Greenhill and Courtenay-Greenhill miniatures to help collectors when choosing their commissions. As Greenhill Miniatures are unique, bespoke highly detailed models produced to order for a connoisseur market, we prefer, as do most of our clients, to be able to converse directly with our customers to ensure complete satisfaction. We therefore advise both existing and new clients to place commissions with Peter or Gilly by telephone. However you may also contact us by letter, e-mail or by fax as below:- |
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Greenhill
Miniatures Telephone: 01202 762371 Fax: 01202 715335 International +441202 762371 Fax +441202 715335 |
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