Sometimes my request for a photograph was denied for fear of copycat reasons. I find it really sad that we live in a world in which some people have devious intents and go to shows like these for the sole purpose of copying the designs. Where is the genuine creativity in that?

When I approached one of the exhibitors in the Q section, a very charming lady told me that I looked like a "man on a mission" and I was, but I hope that I was not mistaken for one of these odious individuals who copy what is not legitimately theirs.

I always remember my first visit to Miniatura Spring 2009 as I walked with a lovely lady who came all the way from Ireland and who was working on a 10-year project of a magnificent Victorian doll's house where every single detail was thought out to perfection, including individually laid Victorian tiles, Victorian wood floors, sinks and baths with working water. She was there to purchase the cooker of her dream, at a price of £1.000 if my memory is exact.