‘Play and surprise’
Ferguson brings a little magic to the library with resident’s intricate Lego models
STAMFORD — Rhett Anderson remembers a small crowd of children surrounding her while she helped her son move his intricate Lego models into the Ferguson Library for the first time. The kids all stared with wonder while the two structures were moved into a glass display case.
“I’m not a big Lego person,” said Anderson. “But immediately I was impressed by the amount of detail in both of these models.”
The Ferguson is displaying models of Hogwarts castle from the “Harry Potter” books and the “Star Wars” Death Star built by 21-year-old Kevin Anderson to help demonstrate the different ways that people can learn during a particularly unusual time for the library.
“We just think play is just a vitally important component of our life, especially if you’re a curious person who wants to understand … how something is put together,” said library President Alice Knapp.
“Kevin Anderson’s models really reflect, especially in all their beautiful and gorgeous detail, that element of play and surprise that we want people to experience when they come in.”
The Ferguson is no stranger to intricate crafts and designs. Even during a pandemic, cardholders can use sewing machines, video cameras and art supplies at the Makerspace, where the library staff encourage people to embrace their creativity.
Kevin Anderson, who is autistic, constructed the Lego Hogwarts out of more than 6,000 pieces.
“Harry Potter” lovers can find series hallmarks scattered everywhere. The entire series collapses onto itself in a single snapshot, with events from all seven books happening at the same time.
A dragon sits atop a spire near the top of the castle, a callback to the fourth book,
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” When people look deeper inside, they can see the massive Great Hall, where some of the series’ most famous events take place.
In the other fantasy universe on display, the Death Star possesses just as much detail, with the walls stripped away to show the packed interior. The model even has a trash compactor room nestled near the bottom. The little space is complete with moving walls fit for reenacting Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia’s iconic es
cape scene.
Despite the detail, Anderson said his model Death Star isn’t completely accurate.
“In the real world, the laser would just jettison the Death Star in the opposite direction of where it’s fired,” he remarked.
The young man hasn’t yet begun his next project. The Anderson family is relocating to Bradenton, Fla., so the youngest Anderson has decided to postpone his miniature craftsmanship for the time being.
“I’m taking a break,” he said. “Until after the move.”