The Cunning Artificer began as one middle-aged engineering nerd's hobby, and somewhat escalated. Barry bought a second-hand 3d printer from a mate and had a bash at creating his own works of art. Naturally, this did not go to plan as the printer was clunky and unreliable, and so a bigger, better and faster printer was sought. Over time, the printer began multiplying (allegedly via parthenogenesis) and eventually they were taking over the house, alongside the massive array of weird and wonderful creations that Barry was now fabricating. 

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He had never previously considered starting a business, but he needed to do something to prevent the tide of mini-figures and dice towers from engulfing the living room. His partner Lindsay took the reins in creating a brand for the venture and developing the unmistakeable vibe of The Cunning Artificer, and they began by finding local craft shops to stock their oddities, as well as local events.​​​​

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They run the business from their home near Guildford, which they share with their four fierce daughters, two idiot Spaniels and a ridiculous gecko.