A world of ancient, natural and modern brick wonders

Warren Elsmore with a LEGO helicopter which features int he Brick Wonders exhibition in the Nerve Centre. Photo: Olga Cathers

They may not be the real thing, but they certainly are amazing, not least because they are crafted from nothing more than LEGO bricks.

All the work of Scottish LEGO genius Warren Elsmore, there are 70-80 individual exhibits making up the Brick Wonders exhibition, which feature some jaw-dropping constructions, including a huge airport with helicopters and aeroplanes, a model of the International Space Station and a wealth of mini marvels covering scientific and medical wonders including an operating theatre and a wind turbine. You name it, Warren Elsmore has made it and it is on show and open to the public until May 2.

The Brick Wonders exhibition is a 12-week showcase that has captured the imagination of thousands of LEGO lovers across the world.

It is the first time that the exhibition has come to the island of Ireland and follows a successful showcase in Rome.

The exhibition has been brought to the city by Derry City and Strabane District Council as part of its Science and Innovation Programme. Tickets are selling well and fans are encouraged to book their 90-minute slot in advance to avoid disappointment. They are being sold through the Nerve Centre box office 02871 260562 and online at www.nervecentre.org. The prices are: Under twos, free; children two to 16 years, £4; adults aged 16 and over, £5. There are also family tickets: One adult and three children, £15; family of two adults and two children, £15.

A £1.50 booking fee will apply.

Group bookings for 15 people and over can be made via the Nerve Centre by telephoning 02871 260562.

Warren Elsmore, LEGO genius and professional model maker with his LEGO airport and International Space Station. Photo: Olga Cathers

Talking about the exhibition, one of three circumnavigating the globe at the minute, Warren said they were based on the theme of Wonders of the World. One of his modern ‘Wonders’ is flight, hence the airport, which took several months to build and splits into 16 parts for shipping purposes.

“I started LEGO modelling when I was about three and I played with LEGO all through my childhood, every Christmas, every birthday,” he said. “I always wanted LEGO. I came back to it in my late 20s and turned professional about four years ago. This is my full time job.

“It was a bit of a leap. I was in IT and had a career in IT for 15 years, but I had started businesses before, so I knew what I was letting myself in for. This is the first time the exhibition as come here and I am loving it. It is a lovely city.”

He continued: “We have only been here a couple of days, but this is the first time I have ever been here and it is lovely. Everybody is lovely and friendly. It is a beautiful place.”