Rebased, and only the loss of a half pint of blood!

 

Well I made a decision regarding the beautiful figures painted by Peter Gilder that had been part of a display that Hinchliffe Models had used at their shows in the 1970's and 1980's. I must admit I was concerned because you can really damage old figures when you are forcing them from old bases and in this case a lump of hardwood. 

           Before I wax lyrical can I thank Iain Macmillan yet again for his wonderful genorosity.

But I managed with just a couple of holes in my hand but no damage to the figures. Whats a bit of blood where art is concerned.

Im not overstating the art part because if one carefully examined each figure it showed the inovative techniques that Gilder pioneered and made his own. The cavalier officer is a brilliant example of all his techniques. The wipe off effect on the horse, using oils and a piece of soft rag. The exagerated button work and the careful lightening of the jackets by a little wipe with a wet brush.

Okay they wont stand scrutiny with modern painters, especially David Imrie, Mark Copplestone or others, but this man was the one who showed thousands of wargamers that basic didnt have to be the standard and witha little thought a beautiful effect could be created, and thats before he producded his wonderful and inspiring terrain and massive battles.

I will leave the images to show people why Gilder was the man who drove standards for wargaming in the 19701980's and 1990's.

Some Gilder Goodness, part of the original Hinchliffe display stand.

Virtually all wargamers Ive known are very generous people. Whether its sharing information, time, tips or figures. One such very generous soul is Iain Macmillan who I finally met face to face at last weeks show, Hammerhead. Iain is a collector of Les Higgins figures and has often given me the 'spare' ones, but this time he exceeded all expectations and gave me this wonderful piece of Peter Gilder emphemera.

Many years ago Gilder and Frank Hinchliffe would attend various shows and sell the Hinchliffe range and dole out advice. They must have been one of the first to display painted figures on their stall. Later the Hinchliffe range was sold to Ellerburn Games of North Yorkshire and it included the display figures.

Somehow Iain managed to find this on E Bay and gave it to me. Whoever had owned it had clumsily sawn the display in pieces, and made a pretty bad job of it and it ended up in my possession.

The images dont do the figures justice, they are beautifully painted, especially the cavalry figure. The nice problem Ive got is whether to re base the figures or leave it as it is.

                                All in all the display piece is beautiful, and thanks again to Iain.

And a heads up to any collectors with some spare cash, well quite a bit. There are some more Gilder mounted french gendarmes on E Bay for sale. Im not certain if they are Hinto Hunt or Mini Figs, but its matterless as they are brilliant.