Newsagent Eugene Diamond has said he was “lost for words” after being presented with a hyper realistic 3D miniature model of his well-known Ballymena shopfront, in recognition of his long association with the press.
A group of photographers commissioned the stunning model after Eugene announced last year he was selling his Broughshane Road shop and retiring from the trade after four-and-a-half decades.
A popular figure on social media, Eugene is known for posting the front and back pages of newspapers on his accounts each day.
Many photographers drop in to Diamond’s regularly to buy papers and other items, or simply to chat, said Press Association snapper Niall Carson, who came up with the idea of commissioning artist Nathan Wheeler to produce a piece for Eugene.
“We would be in contact with all the time…he is just a very good man, thoughtful,” said Niall of Eugene.
Press photographers Mal McCann, Paul Faith, Niall Carson, Stephen Davidson and Kelvin Boyes present Eugene Diamond with his gift in thanks for his support across four-and-a-half decades PICTURE: OISIN CARSON
There has been concern that following the sale of what is a Ballymena institution, the building would be turned into something entirely different, or even demolished and lost to memory.
Read more: Diamond Geezer: North’s best known newsagent looks back on almost half-a-century of selling news
While knocking ideas around for what type of artwork might be best for the job of creating a treasured memento, Niall suggested a man he knew.
Nathan is a noted artist known for his hyper-realistic 3D work and model making. His creations include detailed dioramas of Irish urbanism, warts-and-all, including scenes depicting dereliction and the faded beauty of architecture, and he also highlights issues including homelessness.
Model maker Nathan Wheeler with one of his artworks PICTURE: NIALL CARSON
At first, when asked, the Dublin artist admitted he did not know of Eugene or his influence in the north, but he was soon filled in by Niall.
“This is part of history. I thought, I cannot turn this away so I took it on as a favour,” the artist said.
“I said give us a few months and I will knock it together,” said Nathan, who had a baby with his wife in the interim.
Working from a pile of pictures showing the shop from different angles, helpfully taken by the north’s top professional photographers, Nathan set to work.
He used a combination of reinforced plastic and 3D resin to recreate the shop, even using real concrete in the mix.
Artist Nathan Wheeler captured every detail of Eugene Diamond’s shopfront PICTURE: OISIN CARSON
All the little details of the shop’s façade are included, including wires and drainpipes. Nathan’s work is designed to be mounted on a wall, and Eugene said he was thrilled to receive it ahead of his impending retirement.
“It is absolutely beautiful – an amazingly detailed piece of work,” he told the Irish News.
“There was nothing left out, every minor little detail is there, and I was lost for words when they surprised me with it – it’s such a kind gesture.
Eugene’s decision to move on from the trade he loves was prompted by a spell of ill health, from which he said he is “improving”.
“There is no final date yet decided for my last day in the shop, but when it does finally close, whatever happens to it, I’ll always have my decades of memories of it, and of the people I’ve met and served in it.
“Now I’ll also have this incredible memento to look at, capturing the shop as I’ll always remember it.”