Cork models

ETRUSCAN CULTURE

A new cork model represents an Etruscan burial chamber carved in sandstone. While Dieter constructs the model in longitudinal section, Malgorzata concentrates on painting the artistic frescoes. They later form the heart of the model – an emotional insight into a forgotten time and culture.

BIRTHDAY

A few temples have already seen the light of day under the hands of Dieter and Malgorzata. However, they are always unique pieces with their own personality. The work is always a great challenge and leads to new craft experiences. The object ( POSEIDON – TEMPLE IN PAESTUM scale 1:100) still needs some additions, but today it leaves the studio for the first time and is kissed by the sun in Malgorzata’s hands.

A NEW MUSEUM

is open to the public. 14 large cork models by Dieter and Malgorzata Cöllen can be seen in the architecture cabinet of the PASSAU STATE LIBRARY

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BACK ON STAGE

After a long time in the darkness of the archives, the cork model of the Capitol Temple can now be seen in Cologne in the Church of ST. MARY IN THE CAPITOL and shows the interesting architectural history of this place.

SALVE ROMA

The cork model of the Pantheon in Rome will be presented to the public in the LINDENAU MUSEUM / ALTEBURG in the exhibition „SALVE ROMA“ from October 8th, 2023 to July 28th, 2024.

A GREAT HONOR

Today Dieter and Malgorzata had the honor of being guests of PROF. DR. HERBERT BLOMSTEDT in Lucerne. As an admirer and collector of their cork models, they were allowed to take a little journey through his eventful life and benefited from his warmth and immense knowledge. Now it’s summer break, but soon he’ll be touring again and conducting the most famous orchestras. Thank you from our hearts and good luck..

ARCHITECTURE CABINET

After completing the cork model of the , ARCH OF DRUSUS Dieter and Malgorzata integrated it into the architecture cabinet in the old Jesuit library in Passau – In good company…

ON THE ROAD

Dieter and Malgorzata are starting a new project – the Arch of Drusus in Rome. It was part of the Roman aqueduct to supply the BATHS OF CARACALLA. Work begins with the construction of the VIA APPIA, which the arch crosses…

The planning was kindly supported by DR. HEINZ-JÜRGEN BESTE / DAI Rome. Literature: VALERIA DI COLA – L´ARCO DI DRUSO SULLA VIA APPIA.

ALEXANDRIE : FUTURS ANTÉRIEURS

In the stormy seas, Dieter’s cork model of the Pharos of Alexandria shows us the way to the safe port of Marseilles. At the MUCEM it is part of the extraordinary exhibition ALEXANDRIE : FUTURS ANTÉRIEURS, that opens its gates on February 8th, 2023 – Just drop by…

OPENING SOON

Dieter and Malgorzata have been building large cork models for the architektur cabinet in Passau for several years. With many other objects, they will soon be shown to the public in a wonderful ambience.

The architectural cabinet is part of the Historic Jesuits Library at the State Library of Passau. With the perfectly preserved historic rococo library hall as a starting point the Historic Jesuits Library tries to reconstruct the Jesuits Library in Passau. Jesuitic presence in the city goes back to the year 1612, when the Jesuits founded their institute for higher education in Passau. Also part of the Historic Jesuits Library is a WUNDERKAMMER. Opened in the year 2015 it uses old exhibits still present in the collections of the library as well as permanent loans from important collections of the Bavarian State. The Jesuits had a keen interest in architectural history, which is reflected by a remarkable collection of important literature on the subject. Part of this collection is also presented in the architectural cabinet.

THE ART OF RECONSTRUCTION

is the title of a workshop by Dieter and Malgorzata in the RAUTENSTRAUCH – JOEST – MUSEUM in Cologne. Using the example of the Temple of Bel in Palmyra, children will try to recreate the porticus of the temple from the remains of the destruction (here: cork fragments) and make the personal experience that destruction is easier to do than reconstruction. Dieter and Malgorzata give the children complete freedom in their work. Ibrahim and Rosslin from Syria are also there. They had to leave their country from violence, and now they feel like „ambassadors“ between cultures… Many thanks to everyone – we adults also learned a lot!!!

SYRIEN – GEGEN DAS VERGESSEN

The RAUTENSTRAUCH – JOEST – MUSEUM in Cologne is showing a unique exhibition on the great loss of Syrian culture in times of peace. The curator JABBAR ABDULLAH has spared no effort in bringing together artefacts, films and photos that have never been shown before. Dieter’s cork model of the TEMPLE OF BEL can also be seen here. The model was started a few days after its violent destruction in 2015 and completed a year later.

AGAINST DESTRUCTION

As we know, targeted activism is the best medicine for mental paralysis brought on by human stupidity… Inspired by their trip to Rome, Dieter and Malgorzata work diligently on the construction of the Pantheon. As the video shows, the shell of the model is almost complete. Fly with us and maybe enjoy the great architecture of the old masters, which can still bring us closer to the beauty of human creativity even after 2000 years…

THE DOME

The dome of the Pantheon, with an inner diameter of 43.30 m was the largest of its kind for a long time, built with Roman concrete OPUS CAEMENTICIUM Its coffered structure posed a great challenge for Dieter and Malgorzata. First they make a negative mold, which is then filled with 7 layers of cork. The individual segments are then joined together to form the imposing dome.

THE FLOOR

The floor of the Pantheon, which corresponds to the diameter of the dome (43.3m), is inlaid with a pattern of large squares and circles in PORPHYRY, gray GRANITE and Gialla Antico, a coveted yellow marble from SIMITTHU, framed by strips of Pavonanzetto. In order to reproduce this valuable material realistically, the cork base of the model is first coated with chalk primer and later sanded. Then Dieter and Malgorzata apply the intricate pattern in many layers of paint to get the desired effect…

THE PANTHEON IN ROME

For most people, the mere memory of visiting the PANTHEON in Rome arouses great emotional feelings, combined with a longing to return to this magical place. So why not bring the object to the viewer?! Dieter and Malgorzata will face this great challenge. They plan over a year to produce a cork model scale 1:50, which should also show the complete interior with its elaborate equipment. Let’s watch the two of them at work and follow the single steps of this forgotten craft until completion…


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COLOUR

Malgorzata uses natural pigments from the ROUSSILLON in France, which can be found in the landscape there, for the surface of the model. This work takes a lot of time because the paint is applied in several layers in order to achieve the desired result. After that, the pillars must be fixed. A final „make-up“ follows to highlight the contours …

THE TIME OF PHARAOHS

Dieter’s cork model of the Great Pyramid has safely crossed the Atlantic … It will be on view in an exhibition at the Utah-Museum / Salt Lake City from May 20th, 2020 – January 2nd, 2021.

Exhibition title: EGYPT THE TIME OF PHARAOHS

“Let´s hit the dusty trail!”…

LIVING FOR BEAUTY

A new project by BEN PENTREATH poses a major challenge for Dieter and Malgorzata. They have to create an object of his design that touches the viewer’s emotions and shows that real beauty never dies. Cork seems to be the right material for this purpose. Let’s watch them at work …