About Mannequins Reimagined

I have always pursued realism in my art, and for as long as I can remember I've had a strong appreciation of feminine beauty - something that naturally found its way into my choice of subjects. That appreciation came to find an outlet in an unexpected place....

Many years ago, I discovered the world of Fashion Doll Repaints. These dolls, typically collected by adults and standing around 12–16 inches (30-40cm) tall, are stripped of their factory-applied faces and repainted entirely by hand. The goal is realism - subtle expression, depth, and individuality. I immersed myself in this niche and, over time, became one of the recognised repaint artists within that world. I even held workshops in Italy and the US.

Working at such a small scale taught me invaluable lessons in portraiture on three-dimensional forms. A few years later, those lessons were put to the test when I encountered a badly damaged mannequin - chipped, broken, neglected, yet possessing a remarkably realistic face. I wondered whether the same techniques could be applied at life-size. The process required experimentation, refinement, and the use of quality materials, but the techniques not only translated well - I could take the realism much further.

I perfer to work primarily with high-quality mannequins from manufacturers such as Rootstein, Hindsgaul, New John Nissen and Patina-V, selecting only those with the sculptural potential for exceptional transformation. Often, that potential lies hidden beneath years of wear and neglect (examples can be seen on the Before and After page). There's something deeply satisfying about seeing neglected and broken things brought back to life and 'reimagined', and my work embodies that spirit perfectly. Each one tells a story, silently conveying emotions through the subtlety of expression and the nuance of gesture. These creations are more than mere objects; they are vessels for human sentiment.

Every Mannequins Reimagined piece is a one-of-a-kind. I offer two specialist services:

Atelier Originals: mannequins I personally source, restore and reimagine, offered for sale.
Client Commissions: the same level of highly realistic customisation applied to mannequins you already own, or to a mannequin I obtain (subject to availability) on your behalf.

Each Reimagined Mannequin reflects decades of experience and a portrait-led approach. Skin tones are blended by hand for each individual piece, ranging from porcelain-pale to deep, sun-warmed hues. Top-quality glass eyes are carefully selected to complement each face, and facial tones are built gradually through layered highlights and shadows rather than just flat colour. Subtle shading is also applied to the chest and upper body to maintain realism. Makeup choices are guided by the character and presence each piece suggests from the outset.

Reimagined mannequins now reside across the world - from the USA to Tasmania, Central America to Russia, and the Middle East to the Far East - and can be found in boutiques, galleries, museums and private collections.