We recently went on to the
Harry Potter studio tour in Leavesden, just outside London. Rather than a theme park this is the actual sets and stages where the film were shot.
After a grueling first few minutes where we were constantly having 'ARE WE HAVING FUN YET' yelled at us by pretty young tour guides (Warner Brothers don't seem to realise this does not go down well in the UK) we were left to our own devices to explore at will.
As well as a myriad of props and sets including Diagon Alley and the Great Hall amongst many others, there were these amazing paper and card maquettes. These are the original three dimensional designs for Hogwarts etc.
The detail in these architectural models is amazing, I really like that they are not painted and 'finished' - it is possible to see the making in them, which really makes you see the level of skill required to produce them.
Very inspirational, lots of good ideas for future book sculptures.
I would really recommend the Harry Potter studio tour, you don't have to be a fan of the books or films, or have children (in fact you might get more out of it if you leave them at home!). If you have even a slight interest in the creative process the is an almost overwhelming wealth of things on display. It makes you realise how much time and effort goes into making a film with a fantastical setting, and you can see where all the money goes in making them.
