This is a good introduction book to the world of dioramas by author Mat Irvine. His English roots are evident throughout this amazing book, and it is great to see his perspective across multiple genres of modelling, and not just fixated on one sub-genre. While some want dioramas for a specific style, this book does a great job of covering dioramas from basic to movie sets and museum displays. I also appreciate the author’s Dedication page to Andrew Yanchus before the table of contents. Andy worked for Aurora, a “colorist” for Marvel Comics, and as an advisor for the newly formed Atlantis Model Company. He was a friend of author Mat Irvine for almost 50 years and was a “highly knowledgeable historian on all matters to do with model-making, and I still often think, when tackling a particular problem: ‘Ah, Andy would have known.’” It is in this vein that the book is written.

Mat Irvine’s introduction starts with,

Dioramas are not a new idea, they have been around for years. These days though, the term is invariably associated with scale models, usually built by amateur modellers using commercial plastic kits as the starting point. These models are then incorporated into some sort of appropriate setting on a base to create a scene.

Consequently, this is the area that the majority of this book will concentrate on – though how it all came about is not ignored, and the first chapter examines how, when, where, why and by whom the first ‘dioramas’ were created.

There are many other books about dioramas, but virtually all deal with specific – some very specific – subjects in intricate step-by-step detail. This book is in no way intended to replicate what these previous books have already covered, but instead it aims to provide an overview of the subject, showing general techniques and materials, rather than very detailed builds focusing on specific subjects.

The author then goes on to outline his approach to setting the scene, not the building of the models themselves, even differentiating model railroad layouts versus scenes. I appreciate his methodology and introducing the reader to many techniques and methods of creating dioramas.

Between the covers of this (8.5”x11”) hardback book are 192 pages with over 300 color photographs, composed of the following chapters:

• Making a Scene – An Introduction to Model Dioramas
  1. Defining a Diorama
  2. Tools, Paints and Glues
  3. Kits Incorporating Diorama Parts
  4. Aftermarket Diorama Elements
  5. Material World
  6. Base Decisions
  7. Landscaping
  8. Buildings
  9. Example Builds
  10. Variations on the Theme
  11. On the Screen
• Useful Contacts and Resources
• Acknowledgements
• Index

The book’s sequence is logical and showcases everything from animation, including Wallace and Gromit, to space, fantasy, figures, cars, trains, boats, etc. The author also proves that a modeler doesn’t need to buy into the latest expensive craze with specific-made materials. The base recycling section is great as it shows how a discarded drawer can be used for a base, as well as a painted pill bottle. This is an author who sees the world as frugal modeler, finding modelling uses for everyday items, then writes about them and shows how to take your model to the next level. Lest the reader think that these methods are too basic, the author shows how professionals use the techniques in museums and on-screen.

I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in learning about placing their models in a setting. While the focus is on dioramas, the techniques, methods, and descriptions are all relevant to displaying models in more than a “tank on a plank”; it adds interest to the model in how it is displayed, either as a base, vignette or diorama.

Beginning modelers will find this a useful reference with everything necessary to get started. Older modelers will appreciate the nostalgia throughout the book. One problem with a book is timeliness, particularly in the Useful Contacts and Resources; case in point is that Squadron is still listed in Carrollton, Texas (closed in 2021, then reborn in Georgia later that year). Regardless, it is a pleasing book that is worth looking at for the photographs alone.

Profuse thanks to Casemate and IPMS/USA for providing the review sample.