The catalyst to my applying for Understanding British Portraits Bursary was, whilst working as the House Steward at Greenway House in Devon I found a jumbled box of miniatures in storage. I focused my research on identification, material composition and basic history of miniatures in order to contribute to a miniatures display at Greenway for the 2012 season. My intention was that visitors to the property could gain bite-sized pieces of information on portrait miniatures. My findings have helped to build a greater personal understanding of materials and methods used in the making of miniatures, and I gained an insight into the stylistic qualities of different types of miniatures. On a more personal level, my goal of gaining a solid grounding in the understanding of miniatures has been achieved. I have acquired a strong sense of achievement by studying an area outside that of my expertise.

ellin.belton[at]googlemail.com