Commissioned artwork details for Muriel E. Hope

Muriel is happy to accept commissions for her unique miniature dioramas.

The first step in the process is for Muriel to obtain a clear idea of what the client wants.  The next step is for Muriel to produce a detailed drawing of the sculpture and send it to the client for approval.  Once the client has approved the drawing, the price of the artwork would be set in accordance with the degree of detail required, the size of the sculpture and whether the sculpture is to be supplied with or without a base.

If the sculpture is to be supplied without a base attached, the client is then responsible for arranging for the addition of a base of his/her choice.  This option might be particularly useful for a gallery that wishes to select and fit a base in a material that is especially saleable or to give its customers a choice of bases (wood, marble, slate etc).

Once agreement is reached on the commission, Muriel is in a position to give an approximate completion date, which would normally be a minimum of 30 to 40 working days from the date of the agreement, although it could be longer depending on the complexity of the commissioned piece.

A deposit of two thirds of the price is required, which is deducted from the final payment due on delivery.

The price set for a miniature diorama depends on the number of animals, the complexity of the piece, its size and its base requirements (if any).  The typical price range for a miniature diorama is between 400 and 3000 Canadian dollars.

Packing, carriage and insurance are additional to the basic price and are charged at cost.  In the case of a large piece, the cost of a protective wooden crate and shipping could be between 175 and 200 Canadian dollars.  Smaller, lighter pieces can be packed in cardboard and cost less to ship.

It takes some time for a diorama to be completed due to the metal armatures that have to be made to ensure that the animals, as well as the grasses, flowers and bushes, have strong support structures.  Most parts are made separately to allow more freedom for detail and colour.  Bases are typically in wood, but can be in marble for larger pieces.