FFERN X FLORENCE SWERYDA
Florence Sweryda is an artist and maker from East Sussex.
For Autumn 24, we approached Florence to create a tunnel book. Popular in the 18th century, a tunnel book is composed of a series of intricately cut-paper panels, layered one behind the other, creating a captivating illusion of depth and perspective.
This autumn, we visited Florence’s studio to uncover the art and craft behind her work. In this film, she reveals how she brings her tunnel books to life.
Florence’s tunnel book, made exclusively for Ffern, captures a scene from our seasonal film, rendered in exquisite, tiny detail, from the quince tree to the fruit picking ladder.
Engineered like an accordion, the structure unfolds as two boards gently pull apart, revealing a miniature world framed by a front viewer. This immersive scene is more than art; it’s an invitation to step into Florence’s world.
I’ve often been encouraged to work bigger. But I love that I can hold each element in my hand, or on my fingertip.
Florence has been making miniature worlds since she was small herself - going through her grandmother’s drawer of tiny antiques and oddities, like a perfectly polished walnut box, and a pair of glasses with extendable arms.