Th prototype is in Upper Wanborough and is a 17th century local stone and thatched building that became a fully licensed inn called the ‘Calley Arms’. In 1931 the then owners modernised the house, making many changes, and it survives in that form today.
The model of this building is of particular importance to the museum and represents Roye England’s initial attempt to find materials and techniques that he could use to capture buildings in the way he intended.
It was recorded by Roye England in 1931. It was then modelled in an experimental fashion that resulted in the Pendon card modelling techniques. This modelling was between 1931-36 in England and Australia. The original thatch was human hair purchased in Swindon.