Micro-artist paints world’s smallest war memorial in eye of a needle

By Ellie McDonald via SWNS

A micro-artist has painted the world's smallest war memorial in the eye of a needle to honor his uncle who was killed in WWII.

The microscopic diorama for Remembrance Day, measuring just 0.5 by 0.7 millimeters, includes the painting of a lone soldier and a single red poppy.

The Tower of London also features in the background, which incorporates the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red 2014 poppy art installation, in which poppies encircle the tower and fill the moat marking Britain's involvement in WW1.

Renowned micro artist, David A Lindon, from Poole, Dorset is known for creating intricate artworks on a microscopic scale.

He said he produced the artwork to pay tribute to his uncle Bill who died aged 21 in Egypt.

He said: “My Uncle Bill, Trooper William Lindon, served from 17th June 1940 in the Third Royal Tank Regiment.

"He was killed in action 3rd July 1942, age 21, and buried at El Alamein Egypt.

“At this time of year we reflect on Bill's short but eventful life and take time to read his letters to his mother and brothers from the front.

“Bill died before I was born but, luckily, having inherited his mementos from my father helps me to connect with this fallen hero.

“I am proud to be able to create this microscopic masterpiece for this national Day of Remembrance.”

The artist has previously created micro versions of popular paintings such as The Girl with the Pearl Earring and Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.

Edward Hammond, Director at Hammond Galleries Contemporary Art who represent Davd said: "This is the smallest memorial in the world and really is a one of a kind masterpiece.

"It's also a beautiful way for David to remember his uncle that served in the Tank Regiment.

"It's a groundbreaking piece of work, even down to how David created it. He has to make his own microscopic tools because you can't buy any that are small enough to use.

"He also works midnight through to 5am to avoid the vibrations of any passing traffic. He even has to work between heartbeats, as one wrong move could risk losing months of work.

"It's a wonderful piece that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.

"Once the public realize what goes into creating microscopic art such as this, and that it really is a mammoth undertaking, they realize how something so small can mean so much to so many - and that is really important as we approach Remembrance Day."

David left school at the age of 16 and joined the Ministry of Defense.

He then went on to work in the aircraft industry, working on everything from everyday passenger airliners to Spitfires.

Once his mother was diagnosed with dementia, David left the industry to care for her.

Micro Miniatures, also known as micro art, is a fine art form that are often created with the assistance of microscopes or eye surgeon tools.