An amazingly intricate model of a Hitchin pub left forgotten and unused in a family loft for years is now back in the spotlight after a Comet report.
The Prutton family has been pulling pints at The Highlander in Upper Tilehouse Street for 40 years – and the model was made just before current landlady Charlotte’s father Howard, brother John, and sister Janet England, took over four decades ago this month.
Tim Farr of Mount Pleasant in Hitchin, who now owns the miniature version of the 300-year-old pub, said: “It was made by a man called Joe Hunt just before the Pruttons took over in 1975.
“When Joe died it ended up with me as I ran Tim’s Art Supplies, then further down Tilehouse Street, and it was featured in the window.
“My children used it as a doll’s house in the 1980s before it eventually ended up in my loft.
“It is very detailed and has a miniature bar complete with beer pumps, tables and tiny cola bottles.
“It was only when I saw the Comet story on Charlotte and her family running the Highlander for 40 years I thought to take it down from the loft and show it to them again.”
Charlotte said: “It’s on display in our window and has caused a bit of comment with the regulars.
“It’s quite bizarre having a model of your house – but it is a nice thing to have, and makes me smile.”
Pictures by Danny Loo
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here