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Miniature chalets a labour of love

Kurt Diener made timeless and unique chalets.

WITH months of pure hard work and dedication, Kurt Diener created six chalets that are exact replicas of an original musical jewellery box he bought for his wife in Switzerland in 1971.

The 74-year-old Townsview resident decided to share his story with the CHRONICLE after 43 years. The construction of his timeless and unique creations began in 1975 after he decided to replicate the original chalet-like box. The replica was made to the exact scale and was created with exceptional attention to detail.

REPLICAS: The exact replicas of the chalet, from smallest to biggest.

Kurt then decided to make a chalet bigger than the original, and thereafter challenged himself to make four smaller ones, all to scale. All of the chalets are made out of peach wood and the walls and base are articulately measured down to the last millimetre.

“I am telling my story to hopefully inspire others to appreciate art,” said Kurt. “In a world where there is so much crime, I want to make a positive difference. I am even willing to show my work to children or people. It’s all clean fun and it’s something different.”

The smallest of the chalets fits comfortably on a 10 cent coin and took Kurt about four weeks to complete. He used needles and a magnifying glass through the whole process to ensure that it was to the same scale as the original box. The bigger ones took about two to three weeks each to complete.

CAPE ARGUS: Kurt Diener in the Cape Argus in 1975.

Kurt was born in Germany and has been in South Africa since 1965 for work. He also spent about three years working in Switzerland. After settling down in Townsview in 1980, Kurt established his own business repairing and selling office machinery. He retired in 2016.

The hands-on worker married in 1969, and next year the Dieners will celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss. They have one son.

STORY: Kurt Diener’s original story in the Cape Argus in 1975.

Kurt spent about two years living in Cape Town, and the Cape Argus published his story back in 1975. Although he wouldn’t be able to make any more artefacts, if you would like to contact Kurt then call him on 082 689 5079.

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