The Hive Worcester shows Small People, Big World exhibition

The unexpected invasion comes in the form of a macro photography exhibition entitled Small People, Big World, hosted by artist and author Steve Roach and held from September 21 to October 5.

Known for his prose books, Steve Roach embarked on a unique artistic journey in 2022, spending two years travelling across Britain with a box of miniature figures usually found in model railway shops.

These figurines, scaled to 1/76 of real size, became his subjects of interest.

He said: "They’re the tiny platform accessories they sell in model railway shops, usually at a 1/76 scale.

"I took them everywhere I went and if a backdrop looked interesting, I’d set them out and take a few shots."

Some of his best works feature plastic beasts, typically sold in toy shops.

Steve Roach with one of the figurines (Image: Steve Roach)

Mr Roach said: "There’s one picture of an elephant fighting this huge crocodile and it really shows the power and magnificence of these beasts out there in the natural world.

"But the elephant is three inches tall and the African savannah was actually a muddy puddle on Worcester Racecourse!"

He chose various locations for his photographs, ranging from Worcester City to the Malvern Hills and even to Dartmoor, Brecon and Offa’s Dyke Path.

He states that no Photoshop work was the priority, nor any camera trickery or image manipulation.

He said: "I found a nice spot, set up all the tiny people with glue dots to hold them in place, and pointed the camera."

He collaborated with sponsors including Maintenance Plus, Bromsgrove Printing, Yoga Haven (Worcs), Spin the Black Circle, Sangers and Ovenu to make this exhibition a reality.

The self-funded project will be on display at The Hive, and the idea is that he can pay some of the sponsors back by selling some of the artwork at the exhibition itself.

Mr Roach has also seized the chance to exhibit his artwork among other creations on foam boards ready for wall mounting.

The exhibition is free of charge and offers the attendees a chance to see some miniature figurative models from the pictures on display.