Cork Models & Architectural Commissions
There is something quietly extraordinary about cork. Humble, tactile, and organic, it has, since the eighteenth century, been transformed into one of the most evocative materials for recreating the ruins of the ancient world.
Cork Model of The Colosseum, Rome - 2025 - Michael Treasure
A Grand Tour Tradition
Cork modelling emerged in Italy during the height of the Grand Tour, when young British and European travellers journeyed south to encounter the remains of classical antiquity first hand. Artisans in Rome and Naples began producing highly detailed architectural models of ancient monuments, crafted from cork to replicate the weathered surfaces of ruins, its natural porosity perfectly mimicking eroded stone.
Among the most celebrated practitioners were Antonio Chichi and Augusto Rosa, whose works captured monuments such as the Colosseum and the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli with remarkable sensitivity. These models were not mere souvenirs. They were scholarly objects, expressions of taste, and symbols of cultural refinement.
Collected by aristocrats and displayed in libraries and galleries, cork models became a way of bringing the classical world home.
Contemporary Cork Models
My work continues this tradition, drawing directly on classical architecture and sculptural forms. Each model is conceived not simply as a reproduction, but as an object in its own right, intended to sit comfortably within both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Each piece is hand crafted, with close attention to proportion, surface, and the interplay of light across the material.
Commissions
I welcome commissions for bespoke cork models, tailored to individual collectors, designers, and interiors.
Scale, finish, and presentation can all be adjusted, from small cabinet pieces to larger statement works.
For Collectors & Interiors
Cork models occupy a unique position between sculpture, architecture, and object. They work particularly well:
- Within neoclassical or Grand Tour inspired interiors
- Alongside plaster casts and antiquities
- As textural contrast in modern, minimal spaces
- As focal points in libraries, studies, or gallery walls
Their quiet, scholarly character makes them especially appealing to collectors seeking something more nuanced than conventional decorative objects.
Enquiries
If you are interested in acquiring a piece or discussing a commission, please get in touch. I am always happy to explore ideas and develop something specific to your space or collection.
