Sculptor creates tiny royal coach in the eye of a needle as Platinum Jubilee tribute
A renowned microsculptor has created the "tiniest biggest tribute" for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee – an astonishing model of the Queen’s Coronation Carriage which fits inside the eye of a needle.
Dr Willard Wigan, who grew up in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, fashioned and painstakingly put together more than 200 parts under a microscope to create the ornate work, which he hopes to take on a nationwide tour.
The 65-year-old, who was honoured with an MBE for services to art in 2007, said of his latest project: "This is the tiniest biggest tribute of all time for Her Majesty the Queen."
The artist, who created a tiny 24-carat gold crown for the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee, said of the previous work: "It was the proudest moment of my life but I’ve evolved and moved on since.
"I’ve improved, I’ve got so much better. I almost work as though my life depends upon it.
"Having autism has given me a superpower to be able to do things other people can’t do."
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The West Midlands-based sculptor was diagnosed with autism, which he describes as a blessing in disguise, at the age of 50.
Speaking before photos of his latest work were released, he said: "My mother would tell me that autism is a diamond in a dustbin because humanity has a habit of throwing things away.
"And then all of a sudden the lid comes off the dustbin and they realise what was in there."
He adds: "So I’m using this now as a message to humanity and a celebration to Her Majesty the Queen. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my whole life.
"I think I need counselling now after doing this coach. But it’s taught me one thing – it’s taught me to train my attention span. I’ve learned that I have to make a statement with what I do.
"We under-estimate things we can’t see… we disregard the small world. Just because you can’t see something don’t mean it don’t exist."
Having worked for up to 17 hours a day for several weeks on the coach, the artist likens his work to "trying to put a pin through a bubble without bursting the bubble".
He has also been working on a tiny model of Queen Elizabeth as a young woman, which has included painting with an eyelash attached to the end of a needle.
His previous works include the world’s smallest handmade BMX bike and a tribute to Albert Einstein.
Admitting to being very tired after completing the incredibly detailed carriage, he said: "I finished about five or six days ago – I didn’t think I would finish it in time.
"I could sleep for England. But the glory is at the end.
"I must admit I hate doing this work. But I know what it does. I know the impact it has on people
"I’ve seen people walk out with their jaws in wheelbarrows when they see my work because it blows their heads off – it blows their minds. And that’s when I get my pleasure, off other people seeing it."