Who We Are
Jeremy Smith is known as the Catman because of the six cats who let him share their home, and this site is called Catmando Miniatures because, to quote Jeremy, ‘making miniatures is what I (the Catman) do!’
Jeremy has been a full-time creator of craftsman made miniatures for over forty years, and has been featured in several specialist publications for dolls’ house and miniature enthusiasts internationally. As a 17-year old student at Medway College of Design, Jeremy handcrafted his first 12th scale project, a fully-equipped Romany wagon, in his spare time, and that project marked the beginning of a lifelong passion. Over the years he has developed two main specialisms – miniature artists’ equipment and intricate working miniatures. Several of his pieces are examples of both, as with the award-winning artists’ mannequin, which appears on this site.
Jeremy lives in the Dordogne region of southwest France, with his large family of animals and one other human. When he has time, he indulges in drawing, painting, cooking and gardening, but his raison d'être is his craft – he is often heard to declare “I just make little things out of wood!”
What We Do
Each collectible miniature is expertly handcrafted in Jeremy’s atelier in the Dordogne.
The miniature process begins with a design, which may be inspired by a piece of antique furniture, or it may be a direct replica of a found item.
When he’s not actively making unique miniature collectibles, Jeremy is often found poring over vintage catalogues for new ideas and inspiration. Materials are then chosen carefully, both for durability and authenticity, allowing each piece to closely correspond to its full-scale counterpart. Then the handcrafting begins.
Project times vary depending on the complexity of the item, but common to them all are the intricacy and attention to detail that Jeremy is known for among miniature collectors and experts worldwide.
Jeremy is a regular exhibitor at Kensington Dollshouse Festivals, which take place twice a year. Meantime, his pieces can be ordered directly from the shop and shipped worldwide.
