Arty Duck 3D Modelling Studio

Chris Burgess, owner of Arty Duck Studio, specialises in 3D modelling and heritage‑inspired design. What began in 2023 as a small social‑media space for sharing illustrations has since grown into a studio dedicated to preserving local history through detailed, tactile 3D printed models.

Drawing on CAD modelling skills developed through video‑game design, Chris moved from digital illustration into physical 3D modelling, combining technical accuracy with traditional craftsmanship. Today, Arty Duck Studio works closely with organisations such as Leek Town Council, Outside Arts, and the Friends of the Nicholson Institute to celebrate and preserve Leek’s architectural heritage in three dimensions.

At Arty Duck Studio, 3D printing becomes a form of expressive artistry. Each project begins in the digital realm; architectural plans are redrawn, historical references are studied and missing or lost details are carefully reconstructed.
Once the digital model is complete, ultra‑thin layers of filament build up slowly over many hours, capturing the smallest architectural features- the rhythm of windows, the depth of stonework and the shape of roofs and towers.
But the process doesn’t end when the printer stops. Finishing, refining, and sometimes re‑imagining historical details transforms each print into a storytelling object.

One of the studio’s most distinctive strengths is the ability to recreate buildings not only as they stand today, but as they once were. Using historical records, photographs, and architectural research, Chris can restore lost features, earlier designs, or even entire structures that no longer exist.

In an age dominated by virtual reality and digital walk‑throughs, physical scale models offer something different. Holding a miniature building in your hands provides clarity at a glance, revealing proportions, layout and context in a way that drawings or photographs can never quite achieve. A model sparks curiosity - you can turn it, examine it, and notice details you might otherwise miss as you explore it from every angle. Details that might be overlooked in real life suddenly become visible, allowing people to appreciate the expertise, history, and character of a place with fresh eyes.

For educators, collectors, and history enthusiasts, these models create a deeper, more memorable connection to the past.

Arty Duck Studio uses biodegradable or recyclable filaments and produces models on demand, reducing waste associated with traditional manufacturing. It’s a modern approach that respects both legacy and the environment.

Arty Duck Studio currently stands at the crossroads of technology and history, proving that innovation can enhance tradition rather than replace it. By combining 3D printing with historical research and artistic finishing, the studio preserves the past in a strikingly modern way. In these models, history comes back to life- layered, textured, and tangible. Perhaps this is the studio’s greatest achievement: not simply recreating buildings, but rekindling the connection to the stories they hold.

After speaking with Leek Town Council, it became clear that the town had very few souvenirs available for visitors. That realisation strengthened the studio’s mission- to create meaningful, locally rooted pieces that celebrate Leek’s identity while offering something unique for tourists to take home.

The Models

• The Nicholson War Memorial was the project that started it all. In 2025, Chris partnered with Leek Town Council to create 100 limited‑edition 3D printed models of the Nicholson War Memorial to mark its centenary. Each model was individually numbered and designed for historians, collectors, and local residents, and was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. All 100 sold out, with pieces now residing as far as Italy, America, Ireland, and across the UK.

• A defining feature of the Leek skyline, the Nicholson Institute - home to the town’s public library and museum - was the natural next project. Chris focused on the building’s iconic tower due to its many interesting shapes and details. Working closely with the Friends of the Nicholson Institute, the model was released in March 2026 for purchase. The model is planned to be stocked in the newly refurbished museum shop later this year when it reopens.

• Modelled alongside the Nicholson Institute, The Big Mill was close to completion when the tragic fire of 27 March 2026 led to the building’s demolition. Out of respect, Chris paused work on the project until the demolition was fully concluded on 30 March. The model was later announced as a tribute to Leek’s textile heritage - a way to preserve the memory of a landmark that had shaped the town’s industrial past. It became available for purchase in April 2026.

• A beloved Leek landmark, the Lion Statue has been part of countless childhood memories - including Chris’s own. To capture it in its original form, the model was created using advanced 3D‑modelling software on an iPad, allowing for greater precision and ease during the sculpting process. Released in late April 2026, it quickly became a favourite among both locals and the wider community.

• A symbol of Leek’s identity as a market town, the Market Cross - otherwise known as the Butter Cross - has been part of local life for generations, acting as a defining landmark and a focal point of the Market Square. Chris created an early prototype in 2025 and even displayed it while running a stall at the Butter Market. However, unsatisfied with the initial version, he returned to the project, making adjustments and carrying out several site visits to take measurements and capture finer details. The model has since been completely reworked and remains in the prototype phase, with a final version on the way.

Arty Duck Studio continues to expand its range of heritage models, with plans to introduce them into local shops through a rent‑a‑shelf scheme - making them available both online and in person.

To view all current models, along with keyrings, decorations, and other items, please visit www.artyduckstudio.com to see and purchase some of Chris’ amazing work or contact him at aduckstudio@gmail.com for any other details or information.