Tiny barbers have real global appeal
He’s made 40 so far and some of them have been photographed at locations around the world where you just wouldn’t expect to find a nine centimeter model complete with barber’s apron and holding a sign which advertises Luke’s business.
To date they have been snapped on the starting grid at Formula 1 races in America, Mexico and Abu Dhabi. They’ve appeared next to The Himalayas and also been photographed in The Woolpack pub on the set of Emmerdale.
The start of their journeys is almost as interesting as to where the models end up.
Luke was looking for a way to promote his business and to bring a bit of fun into people’s lives so he went to a car boot sale bought three action figures for £1 and set about creating his very own marketing campaign using little barbers who look just like him.
The handmade models are placed in a mould and are a mixture of clay and silicon and coated in resin. Once set, he carefully sands them down and paints on their features. Each one sports a beard – just like Luke – and have become such a hit with people the models have their own social media page which shows what they’ve been up to and how they got there.
“It’s a bit of fun. People are really tickled by the concept. Once I’ve made one I will position him somewhere in Stratford, on a window ledge or by a bench for example, it doesn’t take long before they’re spotted, adopted and begin their journey around the world or Britain for that matter,” Luke said.
Some of Luke’s clients take the models with them before going on holiday, other models just turn-up at well-known destinations and the pictures are sent through to Luke to post on his website.
“It could be regarded as art in a way. Yes, it advertises my barber business but it also spurs the imagination as people look to find different locations for the models,” Luke said.
Luke, who lives in Stratford, is a ladies’ hairdresser by trade but branched out to become a barber five years ago. His vintage barber shop in the antique centre has built up a loyal client base during that time and his miniature models are helping to spread his business message across many continents.
“I don’t sell the models because I want people to share the fun with me and that’s what they’re doing when they send in the photos,” Luke said.