Miniature model maker recreates Glasgow landmark destroyed by fire

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Miniature model maker recreates Glasgow landmark destroyed by fire3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleClaire ThomsonBBC ScotlandKaren BonesKaren Bones used recycled cardboard to recreate Union CornerA historic Glasgow building which was destroyed in a major fire has been recreated in miniature by an artist. Karen Bones spent 10 weeks working on a replica of the B-listed Victorian building, known as Union Corner. The model - which is made from recycled cardboard - depicts the businesses that were affected by the blaze.

It also features the building's landmark dome as well as the iconic signs which once adorned its roof. Karen said: "After seeing the devastation on the TV, I felt compelled to try and recreate it because such a big part of my childhood was walking up and down Union Street and being fascinated by the Irn-Bru sign. "Karen BonesKaren made the model in her caravan workshop in LarbertKaren, 54, swapped drawing and painting for cardboard models about four years ago.

The Details

Among her creations are scale replicas of venues and buildings ranging from the Barrowland Ballroom and other famous Glasgow music venues to coastal cafes, historic castles and cottages. Working from a renovated caravan in her garden in Larbert, she not only builds the pubs and clubs she worked in for nearly 20 years but also takes commissions through her small business, Bricks & Bones. Karen BonesThe model took 10 weeks to buildBut she said her latest model of Union Corner is particularly special.

"My mum had a hairdresser shop on Cambridge Street so on a Saturday my dad would take me into town and we would go shopping, walking along Union Street," Karen said. "It was a Saturday treat to go out with my dad and then we would pick my mum up from work afterwards. "My dad passed away a long time ago so this model is sentimental because it reminds me of spending time with him as well.

"Karen BonesShe used photographs to recreate the businesses on Union StreetUsing photographs she had already and images online, Karen took measurements to help her scale the model. She described the project - which measures about 25cm (10in) high and 50cm (20in) wide - as a "monster" and much bigger than anything she had worked on before. But perhaps surprisingly, Karen said it was not heavy at all.

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"The details were the biggest challenge," she said. "There are thousands of individually hand-cut bricks and roof tiles, and 74 windows, which all had to be spaced out properly. "I could have just painted them on or some people would have used a 3D printer but the way I do it makes it charming and different to what other people are doing.

"Karen BonesAll of the roof tiles and bricks were hand cutUnion Corner dates back to 1851, pre-dating Glasgow Central Station which opened in 1879. Only the facade of the building was left standing after the fire, which broke out in a vape shop on 8 March.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.