A retired Alberta farmer has discovered an extraordinary talent in his basement workshop, creating incredibly detailed scale models of the world's most famous landmarks using nothing but tiny matchstick-sized pieces of wood.
From Dairy Farming to Delicate Artistry
Esmond Warren spent thirty years working as a dairy farmer alongside his wife Shirley before they sold their property and retired to a comfortable home in Edmonton's Twin Brooks neighbourhood. While Warren cherished the opportunity to relax with his family, he soon realized he missed the satisfaction of working with his hands.
The solution arrived as an unexpected Christmas gift from his daughter Caroline—a craft model kit of London's Tower Bridge constructed from 5,000 miniature wooden beams, each measuring exactly 53 millimetres in length.
"At first I thought, good grief, what am I gonna do with this?" Warren admitted. But once he began assembling the intricate structure, he discovered not only enjoyment but a natural aptitude for the precise work.
Evolving Craftsmanship and Personal Touches
That first model occupied Warren throughout an entire winter, sparking what would become a passionate hobby. "I just like working with my hands, and it was really very enjoyable," he explained. "I'd go nuts if I didn't have something like this to do because I don't want to sit around and do nothing."
His skills rapidly advanced as he tackled increasingly complex projects, including magnificent replicas of the Taj Mahal and Notre Dame Cathedral. He even created a sentimental scale model of his former dairy farm using leftover matchsticks from his various kits, inspired by a suggestion from his son.
Warren's ambitions grew beyond pre-packaged kits when he decided to create his own scale model of the Alberta Legislature Building. This project required him to personally measure the structure by walking around the grounds counting his steps and photographing every angle—activities that occasionally drew suspicious looks from security guards.
A Legacy Built With Love and Memory
Family remains central to Warren's story. His wife Shirley consistently supports his endeavors with visible pride, while the hobby itself originated from his daughter's thoughtful gift.
Among all his creations, the Notre Dame Cathedral holds particularly deep significance. Warren completed this model in dedication to his granddaughter, Erica, who had begun the project with him before passing away from complications related to cystic fibrosis.
"She left me instructions to finish it for her, so I finished that one," Warren shared emotionally. "So that's the really special one, yeah."
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs, making them vulnerable to infections. According to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, approximately 4,500 Canadians lived with this condition as of 2023, with about one-third of those diagnosed being children.
Through his remarkable matchstick models, Esmond Warren has transformed simple wooden pieces into monuments of both global architecture and personal meaning, creating a legacy that honors both world landmarks and cherished family memories.
