Online Catalogue last updated 17th of September 2023
Model maker, artist, aviation pioneer and engineer Ernest Twining lived and worked in Northampton from 1912 until 1940.
His company Twining Models (of Dychurch Lane and later Pike Lane) made most of the glass case engineering and architectural models sold by the better known Bassett-Lowke Company during these years, as well as selling directly to many customers. Their models can still be found in the Imperial War Museum, National Railway Museum, Scottish National Museum, Glasgow Transport Museum, the Queen's Dolls' House in Windsor Castle, and Cadbury World amongst other locations.
Large scale steam locomotives built to his design are still working in Lancashire and Norfolk, and at Evesham Vale Country Park and Stapleford Manor.
In the immediate Northampton area his stained glass windows can be found in St Edmunds Hardingstone, Holy Trinity Church Hall, Northampton and St Francis de Sales, Wolverton. One of his paintings is in Hartwell Church and he also restored many of the windows in St Marys, Fawsley. This last piece of work was described and reviewed in Northamptonshire County Magazine for September 1930.
Northampton Museum has further examples of his stained glass and paintings, as well as a small model factory made by Twining Models. This is described as 'hypothetical' as it has no known prototype. I suspect it was made to demonstrate Twining Models skills and the value of such publicity models to prospective customers.
Whilst living in Northampton Twining was a member of the Northampton Town and County Art Society, associated with the Northamptonshire Aero Club and first president of the Northampton Model Aero Club. For the Aero club's H/Q at Sywell airfield he painted two large aviation views, both of which are still at Sywell although now in the restaurant of the Aviator Hotel.
Code No. 010893, ISBN 1843061430, $78.00