Matchcraft pioneer Len Hughes still making mind-blowing models from matchsticks after 60 years

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:11:32 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-17/matchstick-models-len-hughes-world-of-matchcraft-sunshine-coast/103542758>

'Len Hughes pioneered the unusual art of matchcraft.

Over the past 60 years, the 88-year-old has made hundreds of intricate models
out of glue and tiny pieces of wood, which have been seen by millions of people
in 22 countries.

The obsession started when Mr Hughes was in his 20s and doctors told him he
would eventually end up in a wheelchair.

"I had a bad back and nothing could be done for it, so I made up my mind I had
to find something to do," he said.

Inspiration struck when he saw some matchstick models made by school children.

"I was so fascinated, I told my wife 'I'm gonna stick matches together'," he
said.

Mr Hughes gathered supplies and got to work building a replica of a Dutch
Windmill.

It was not a success.

"It went in the garbage bin," Mr Hughes said.

He never ended up needing a wheelchair, but the self-taught sculptor stuck to
his craft until he mastered it.'

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics

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