A Scottish artist is breathing new life into cherished memories, one miniature at a time. Karen Bones, known for her intricate recreations of Glasgow landmarks, has turned her attention to the vibrant heart of Edinburgh – specifically, Leith Walk.
Her latest creations aren’t grand monuments, but the beloved, everyday institutions that define a community: Storries Home Bakery and Elvis Shakespeare record store. These aren’t just buildings; they’re woven into the fabric of Leith’s identity.
Karen’s artistic journey began with portraiture, honed during her illustration degree at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. But a shift towards pub drawings and, eventually, detailed models, proved to be her true calling.
The move to Edinburgh wasn’t planned, but sparked by a commission from The Dreadnought pub in Leith. Soon, requests flooded in, fueled by a simple, irresistible impulse: the desire to hold onto a piece of a place they loved.
“I’m a nightmare,” Karen admits with a laugh, “always pointing out ‘oh, look at that building, isn’t that pretty?’ Edinburgh is a new place for me to explore, and I’ve really enjoyed discovering all these cool new buildings.”
Storries, the 24-hour bakery that fuels Edinburgh’s late nights, was the first to capture her imagination. Locals overwhelmingly pointed to it as a Leith icon, a beacon for weary souls and early risers alike.
Nearby, Elvis Shakespeare, a haven for vintage records and pre-owned books, proved equally captivating. Karen decided to recreate both shopfronts as a pair, capturing their unique character and the special connection they share.
Each miniature is a testament to painstaking detail. Tiny safety notices adorn the bakery window, while the record store’s window displays miniature gig listings and posters, all meticulously crafted from cardboard.
These aren’t simply replicas; they’re vessels of nostalgia. Karen understands that her models resonate because they tap into the powerful emotions tied to place and memory.
She’s often commissioned to recreate homes, with families sending models to loved ones who have moved away, creating tangible links across distance. She’s even preserved memories of buildings lost to demolition, safeguarding architectural heritage.
The response to her work has been overwhelmingly positive. Storries Bakery described the miniature as “heartwarming,” a tribute to a beloved institution and a celebration of community.
Ironically, while Karen immortalizes these spaces, one of her subjects is facing its own ending. Elvis Shakespeare is set to close its doors at the end of March, marking the end of an era for the iconic record store.
Karen hopes to continue this work in Edinburgh, with her sights set on capturing the beauty of Greyfriars Kirkyard and Dean Village. An exhibition of her models is also in the works, promising to share these miniature worlds with a wider audience.
Ultimately, Karen’s art isn’t about the buildings themselves, but the stories they hold, the memories they evoke, and the enduring power of place.
