A model fanatic has completed a stunning matchstick replica of the front of Salisbury Cathedral using 730,000 matchsticks.
Barry King began the painstaking project in 2013 but downed tools when he became distracted by a long-term relationship. But after the couple split up last year he found time to resume his hobby and has finished building the west front of the iconic Gothic building. The 49-year-old maintenance man's ultimate aim is to recreate the entire cathedral using a record six million matchsticks by 2028. When complete it will measure 15ft by 9ft. For now, he is about the show off the first phase of the epic project - the 3ft by 2ft west front - when it will go on public display in the city from August 19. Barry, from Amesbury, Wiltshire, said: 'I started the project in earnest over six years ago and progress was good to start with.' But when I got into a relationship I found I wasn't able to devote a lot of time to it.' It wasn't the case that my old girlfriend wouldn't let me do the model I just found that a lot of my evenings and weekends were taken up.' Since the relationship ended I've been able to dedicate a lot more time to the model.' I do work full time but I spend my weekends and a few hours every evening flat out on it.' As well as three-quarters-of-a-million matchsticks, Barry has used 40 litres of glue and spent about £6,000 constructing the elaborate western facade of the historic building. He is aiming to break the record for the world's biggest matchstick model which was set by David Reynolds, from Southampton, in 2009. David spent 15 years and £5,000 creating a replica of the Brent Bravo oil rig using four million matches. Barry, who has never built a matchstick model before, will have spent £10,000 when he is finished. The work requires a huge amount of intricate detail including using tweezers and a craft knife to whittle the matchsticks to the right size and shape. Barry said: 'Since I started the project I've used 40 litres of Evo Stick glue and spent around £6,000 on materials and tools.' Thankfully once they heard what I was doing Evo Stick gave me 24 litres of free glue which has been amazing.' He added: 'This has always been something I want to be known for doing.' I've been doing it for six-and-a-half years and I don't think it will be done for another eight or nine years.' I really enjoy doing it and I'm now really excited that it's going on display.' It will be on show at Salisbury Guildhall every day between August 19 and August 23 and then again between August 27 and August 29. Admission is free but Barry is taking donations for the Stars Appeal - Salisbury District Hospital's charity.
Barry King began the painstaking project in 2013 but downed tools when he became distracted by a long-term relationship. But after the couple split up last year he found time to resume his hobby and has finished building the west front of the iconic Gothic building. The 49-year-old maintenance man's ultimate aim is to recreate the entire cathedral using a record six million matchsticks by 2028. When complete it will measure 15ft by 9ft. For now, he is about the show off the first phase of the epic project - the 3ft by 2ft west front - when it will go on public display in the city from August 19. Barry, from Amesbury, Wiltshire, said: 'I started the project in earnest over six years ago and progress was good to start with.' But when I got into a relationship I found I wasn't able to devote a lot of time to it.' It wasn't the case that my old girlfriend wouldn't let me do the model I just found that a lot of my evenings and weekends were taken up.' Since the relationship ended I've been able to dedicate a lot more time to the model.' I do work full time but I spend my weekends and a few hours every evening flat out on it.' As well as three-quarters-of-a-million matchsticks, Barry has used 40 litres of glue and spent about £6,000 constructing the elaborate western facade of the historic building. He is aiming to break the record for the world's biggest matchstick model which was set by David Reynolds, from Southampton, in 2009. David spent 15 years and £5,000 creating a replica of the Brent Bravo oil rig using four million matches. Barry, who has never built a matchstick model before, will have spent £10,000 when he is finished. The work requires a huge amount of intricate detail including using tweezers and a craft knife to whittle the matchsticks to the right size and shape. Barry said: 'Since I started the project I've used 40 litres of Evo Stick glue and spent around £6,000 on materials and tools.' Thankfully once they heard what I was doing Evo Stick gave me 24 litres of free glue which has been amazing.' He added: 'This has always been something I want to be known for doing.' I've been doing it for six-and-a-half years and I don't think it will be done for another eight or nine years.' I really enjoy doing it and I'm now really excited that it's going on display.' It will be on show at Salisbury Guildhall every day between August 19 and August 23 and then again between August 27 and August 29. Admission is free but Barry is taking donations for the Stars Appeal - Salisbury District Hospital's charity.