Tiny works of art keep Wigan craftsman occupied through the pandemic

Hedley Wiggan is probably best known for his work carving sculptures on the end of matches and cocktail sticks.

But he is also a keen painter, specialising in fantastical art.

And in keeping with his miniaturist theme, he dispenses with the traditional artists’ brushes and usually contents himself with a single bristle as he sets about creating a series of pendants.

A microscope or magnifying glass always close to hand, the Wigan Infirmary theatre nurse has created some of them because he has been commissioned to do so – including one from an American customer wanting a sunset view of Porter Beach, on Lake Michigan in Indiana – others because he just fancied the subject matter, including cherubs, fairies, doves, finches and swans which he spotted in Mesnes Park.

Another, of an angel, was created specially for a children’s charity.

Hedley said: “I like to keep myself occupied and during lockdown thought I would create quite a few pendants.

“Even though this is a different discipline from miniature carving, patience is still everything.”