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From Middle-earth to Dune: Dad and daughter turn fantasy collection into Singapore exhibition
🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

From Middle-earth to Dune: Dad and daughter turn fantasy collection into Singapore exhibition

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A father and daughter have transformed their extensive fantasy and science fiction collection into a large exhibition in Singapore.
  • The Portals Experience features over 3,000 novels, 10,000 miniatures, and 800 original paintings, spanning worlds from Greek mythology to Middle-earth.
  • Scott Graham, the father, began collecting fantasy items at age 12, with his passion growing into a lifelong pursuit that now includes his daughter Shona's involvement.

The Portals Experience, an exhibition in Singapore, offers visitors an immersive journey into fantasy, science fiction, and mythology, transforming a Fever Exhibition Hall into a realm of imagination. Spanning over 13,000 square feet, the exhibition showcases an impressive collection of books, magazines, miniatures, and original paintings.

With more than 3,000 novels, 10,000 miniatures and collectibles, and over 800 original paintings by more than 200 artists, the exhibition invites exploration through diverse literary worlds, from ancient Greek myths to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth and the universe of Star Wars.

My world felt small, but what made it very big was that my parents read to me and my older sisters. I’d be introduced to many worlds and realities.

— Scott GrahamScott Graham describes his childhood and how reading expanded his world.

Behind this vast display is the father-daughter duo Scott and Shona Graham. Scott, a 55-year-old former businessman, has been a dedicated collector of fantasy and sci-fi memorabilia since he was 12. His lifelong passion has now found a new expression through this exhibition, with his 27-year-old daughter, Shona, playing a key role.

The books were the portals through many worlds that I could travel through, cry with the characters, love with them and see many different perspectives.

— Scott GrahamScott Graham reflects on the impact of books on his life.

Scott's own journey with fantasy began in his youth in a small Scottish town, where books from mobile libraries opened up expansive worlds. He recalls being particularly captivated by Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melnibone saga, which ignited his collecting fervor. This passion followed him through his travels and eventually led him to Singapore, where he and his daughters became citizens.

The exhibition also features detailed dioramas by Sri Lankan art studio Paintedfigs, including a notable depiction of the lost city of Atlantis, adding another layer of visual storytelling to the experience.

The book threw me into a rabbit hole of fantasy and sci-fi, and I began collecting many similar books and magazines throughout the years.

— Scott GrahamScott Graham explains how a specific book sparked his lifelong collecting habit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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