30/04/2026
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ป ๐บ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐น: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐
The model of the town has advanced significantly since those pre-pandemic days. Various structural materials have been trialled and revised over the years: craft card, wood, Styrofoam and even the paperboard from medication packets! The town wall underwent various iterations, until it was decided to 3D print it and apply the brick impressions as stickers as opposed to painting each course; a feat that is much harder than it sounds. Even the environment has been revisited. The river was recently repainted to reflect a more natural green-brown tone with Finnish moss was used for the woodland and scrub bringing greater realism to the scene.
The forced hiatus of the lockdowns did not stop the team's creativity - the team returned from the break with handfuls of houses and other useful objects!
Our dedicated volunteer team has spent years refining and expanding the town, adding ever more intricate details to buildings, homes and the surrounding landscape. Itโs not just a model, itโs a constantly developing interpretation of Roman life.
As new archaeological discoveries are made in Colchester, theyโre carefully incorporated into the model. Keep an eye out for details like Roman burial sites on the outskirts of the Roman town, subtle additions that tell deeper stories about the town and its people.
Over the years we have had both practical and theoretical advice from friends, family and members of the public. We are hugely grateful to everyone who has had an input into the town modelโs creation.
Thanks to Alan Curtis, Alan Tindall, Alphonso Torrejon, Andrew Creswell, Bill Ward, Carrie Creswell, Jenny Knowles, Jonathan Pearsall, Ken Aldred, Penny Allen, Philip Crummy, Philippa Davies, Roger Massey-Ryan and Scott Campbell and to name but a few!
