Dr David Lund

Announcing my new book, Model Britain, out in November! A history of yesterday's dreams of tomorrow, it examines the visions behind 120 architectural models to reveal how the future of Britain's 20th century built environment was imagined. Pre-order now: shorturl.at/pH124

The final chapter of my book Model Britain looks at visions of the future of transportation from the 20th C, so today's model is one made by Thorp for the BRF stand at the 1955 Earl's Court Motor Show that showcased their push for urban motorways.

Another model from chapter 5 of my book Model Britain, this time of Walthamstow Town Hall, made by Thorp to the design of Philip Dalton Hepworth in 1937. This chapter of the book looks at models of 20th C visions of the future of civic buildings.

From chapter 5 of my book Model Britain: The Architectural Models of 20th Century Dreams is this lovely model of Poole Hospital, made by Thorp in 1964 for the Wessex Regional Health Authority.

A more recent vision of the future of leisure from chapter 4 of my book Model Britain: Thorp's 1987 model of the interior of Bracknell Leisure Pool.

Another model from chapter 4 of my book Model Britain: Thorp's 1938 model of Prestatyn Holiday Camp. Designed by William Hamlyn, this huge holiday camp was a joint venture between the LMS railway and Thomas Cook.

Chapter 4 of my book Model Britain looks at models that captured future visions of leisure during the 20th C. First up is this lovely model made by Thorp in 1934 of an unbuilt proposal for Eastbourne bandstand.

Another model of the future of work from my book Model Britain: this shows a planned expansion to Southampton Docks to cope with the arrival of containerised freight, made by Thorp in 1967.

Also from the third chapter of my book Model Britain, 'Work', this model of the Kodak designed by T.P. Bennett was made by Thorp in 1970.

The stunning Thorp model of the entrance to Bush House in London, made circa 1923. This model features in chapter 3 of my book Model Britain, which explores architectural models of past visions of the future of the workplace, built or unbuilt.

This lovely model from chapter 2 of my book Model Britain is of a pair of Cornish Unit prefab homes. This model was made by Thorp to be presented to Princess Elizabeth in 1947 when she opened the homes in Bray Shop in Cornwall.

Today's model from my book Model Britain is from Chapter 2 - Clifton Court, made by Thorp in 1930.

Another water-themed model from my book Model Britain today: Sea City, made by Thorp for the Pilkington Glass Age Development Committee in 1968. An incredible model with a great story behind it. Read more in Chapter 1 of my book.

The Thurderbirds-esque 'River City' model made by Thorp in 1966 to showcase Richard Seifert's design for Liverpool waterfront. From chapter 1 in my book Model Britain.

Today's model from my book Model Britain is this 1965 model of Russell Diplock's plans for St James' Square in Edinburgh. Read more about this in chapter 1!

Today's model from my book Model Britain is this 1952 Thorp model of Chapman and Riley's design for the redevelopment of Aberdeen.

Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing images of some of the models that feature in my recent book, Model Britain: The Architectural Models of 20th Century Dreams, starting with this model of Owen Luder's unbuilt proposal for St Katherine's Dock, made by Thorp in 1969.

There can't be many modelmakers with a road named after them, but Theodore Conrad does! It is right next to the park he helped create, Liberty State Park in Jersey City, also known as Conrad Park. The honour was for his campaigning work for the preservation of historic buildings.

A terrific morning at #newbladesshow so far! Lots of brilliant models from some brilliant graduating students!

I'll be there, will you? Always a pleasure to accompany our graduating modelmaking students to New Blades. Come and see their work, and hundreds of brilliant models, tomorrow at Holborn Studios, N1 7ED.

Such a sad piece of news to hear 4D are closing after 32 years. A huge part of the professional modelmaking industry and loved by hobbyist modelmakers, the shop will be much missed. A sad day but what a legacy to celebrate at New Blades next week as well.