Roomboxes by Eugene Kupjack

ROOMBOXES BY EUGENE KUPJACK
Master of Miniature

A jeweler's son, Eugene Kupjack began his career in miniatures in the 1930s while working on "The Thorne Rooms," a series of 68 roomboxes on permanent display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Using 1/12th scale (1 inch = 1 foot) Kupjack became the master of miniature artisans by combining exquisite craftsmanship with theatrical suggestion. Through clever lighting techniques and placement of objects, Eugene Kupjack created the illusion that the room's tiny inhabitants had just left the scene. His creations were completed without the benefit of computerized technology or high-tech bonding materials. Most detailing was done by hand, using tools that ranged from a band saw to a tiny dental pick. Today his sons Henry and Jay carry on their father's legendary craftsmanship at the Kupjack Studios in Park Ridge, Illinois.
	HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL WASHINGTON at Valley Forge PA, c.1778. The miniature was created by Eugene Kupjack in 1975. All furnishings were copied from those that George Washington used during the Revolutionary War. This roombox was part of the 250 year Washington Birthday Celebration Exhibition at the Smithsonian in 1982. Kupjack Studios, Park Ridge IL
THOMAS JEFFERSON BEDROOM/STUDY AT MONTICELLO, created by Eugene Kupjack. Thomas Jefferson designed a bed to be built into an alcove in the middle of the room, open to either side, with narrow storage space above accessible by steps. One side of the room was devoted to his studies of the natural sciences, and filled with microscopes, weather instruments, and other devices. The other side was used as a dressing room and for private correspondence. On the front table is a miniaturized version of his signature duplicating machine, a Jeffersonian invention. The room is illuminated by a skylight, one of thirteen at Monticello. The Forbes Collection, New York NY

A jeweler's son, Eugene Kupjack began his career in miniatures in the 1930s while working on "The Thorne Rooms," a series of 68 roomboxes on permanent display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Using 1/12th scale (1 inch = 1 foot) Kupjack became the master of miniature artisans by combining exquisite craftsmanship with theatrical suggestion.

Through clever lighting techniques and placement of objects, Eugene Kupjack created the illusion that the room's tiny inhabitants had just left the scene. His creations were completed without the benefit of computerized technology or high-tech bonding materials. Most detailing was done by hand, using tools that ranged from a band saw to a tiny dental pick.

Today his sons Henry and Jay carry on their father's legendary craftsmanship at the Kupjack Studios in Park Ridge, Illinois.

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL WASHINGTON at Valley Forge PA, c.1778. The miniature was created by Eugene Kupjack in 1975. All furnishings were copied from those that George Washington used during the Revolutionary War. This roombox was part of the 250 year Washington Birthday Celebration Exhibition at the Smithsonian in 1982.

Kupjack Studios, Park Ridge IL

THOMAS JEFFERSON BEDROOM/STUDY AT MONTICELLO, created by Eugene Kupjack. Thomas Jefferson designed a bed to be built into an alcove in the middle of the room, open to either side, with narrow storage space above accessible by steps. One side of the room was devoted to his studies of the natural sciences, and filled with microscopes, weather instruments, and other devices. The other side was used as a dressing room and for private correspondence. On the front table is a miniaturized version of his signature duplicating machine, a Jeffersonian invention. The room is illuminated by a skylight, one of thirteen at Monticello.

The Forbes Collection, New York NY

	LINCOLN-HERNDON LAW OFFICES IN SPRINGFIELD IL, created by Eugene Kupjack in 1968. Abraham Lincoln rented office space in various locations around Springfield, but this is the only building still standing. He moved into this third floor office in 1843 with his second partner. In 1844 he dissolved this partnership and took William Herndon as a junior partner. Before he left for Washington D.C. , Lincoln told Herndon, "If I live I'm coming back sometime, and then we'll go right on practicing law as if nothing had ever happened." Illinois State Museum , Springfield IL
	GENERAL GRANT's DINING ROOM in GALENA IL, created by Eugene Kupjack. This room represents one in the Italianate style house that was presented by the citizens of Galena to the hero of the Civil War. The Forbes Collection, New York NY

LINCOLN-HERNDON LAW OFFICES IN SPRINGFIELD IL, created by Eugene Kupjack in 1968. Abraham Lincoln rented office space in various locations around Springfield, but this is the only building still standing. He moved into this third floor office in 1843 with his second partner. In 1844 he dissolved this partnership and took William Herndon as a junior partner. Before he left for Washington D.C. , Lincoln told Herndon, "If I live I'm coming back sometime, and then we'll go right on practicing law as if nothing had ever happened."

Illinois State Museum , Springfield IL

Grant dining room

GENERAL GRANT's DINING ROOM in GALENA IL, created by Eugene Kupjack. This room represents one in the Italianate style house that was presented by the citizens of Galena to the hero of the Civil War.

The Forbes Collection, New York NY

	Return to Mount Vernon Miniature index page
	Return to Hoover Library-Museum virtual exhibits page
	Return to Hoover Library-Museum main index page
	Return to Cottages and Castles index page