Mannakin

03/06/2026

Meet Normal Norman and Ginny Tonic.

Norman’s biggest ambition in life is to be completely average. He likes beige things, sensible footwear and once got excited about a new filing system.

Ginny, meanwhile, believes every day should begin with a little sparkle and at least three questionable decisions.

They met at The Manic Inn.

Norman ordered tap water.

Ginny ordered a pint called Stiff Lips and somehow ended up in charge of entertainment for the evening.

Three hours later, Norman was discussing oven gloves with a random mannequin, while Ginny was teaching another how to catwalk in 4” heels.

It’s a useful reminder that nobody stays normal for long at Mannakin Hall.

Some just take longer than others.

02/06/2026

Freshly wrapped and quietly waiting each with a destination they don’t yet know.

For now though, they’re all standing patiently in the departure lounge, dressed in protective plastic and wondering who drew the short straw for the early morning transport.

A strange little reminder that before every glamorous shop window, there’s usually a warehouse full of mannequins waiting for their moment.

01/06/2026

Some people spend a fortune on furniture.

Some people spend a fortune on legs.

This particular resident is available for sale and has already chosen her own chair.

Message us before she gets up and walks away. 👀🦵🪑

28/05/2026

Looking back at old photos and here was a moment that changed the course of Mannakin forever.

Twenty five thousand mannequins arrived in one go. We rescued them and diverted them from landfill.

An entire community of mannequins suddenly standing in limbo between disposal and a second life.

At the time, most people would have seen it as a waste problem, we saw stories, possibilities and characters.

And absolute chaos.

Looking back at this photograph now, it feels less like a delivery and more like the beginning of a strange civilisation appearing in the Lincolnshire countryside. White figures stretching into the distance beneath the trees, all waiting to find out who they were going to become next.

But we are pleased to report that every single one avoided the skip.

People often ask how Mannakin Hall became what it is today.

Honestly?

It started with moments like this.

27/05/2026

A genuine vintage Schlappi runner doesn’t come along every day, especially one with this much character.

He’s currently resting in pieces after what can only be described as a dramatic final sprint, but everything is here to bring him back to life. An ideal project for someone experienced with fibreglass restoration, prop making, mannequin renovation, or anyone who simply appreciates unusual design history.

Once restored, he’d make an incredible statement piece. Whether displayed in a studio, retail space, gallery, man cave, workshop or standing proudly in a garden looking like he escaped from a 1980s sports catalogue.

There’s something wonderfully sculptural about him even in this state. Like modern art with shin splints.

✔ Genuine vintage Schlappi mannequin
✔ Original matching pieces included
✔ Rare athletic runner pose
✔ Fibreglass restoration project
✔ Perfect for collectors, artists, prop stylists or garden display
✔ A second chance for an iconic piece of mannequin history

Most mannequins end up forgotten.
This one still looks like he’s trying to finish the race.

No stand included.
Link to purchase in comments.

27/05/2026

Patricia arrived one day in a van along with many others who are not her equals and she has no intention of apologising for her attitude.

She’s survived the collapse of a department store, three winters in a 20ft shipping container and still manages to look down on everyone at breakfast.

Shes strong, independent and emotionally unavailable.

The other mannequins say she’s “hard work,” but Patricia prefers the phrase high standards.

Patricia is a resident at Mannakin Hall. Come to an open day and see if you can find her.

26/05/2026

Anastasia has been unusually quiet lately.

Not sleeping. Just updating.

Yesterday we found part of a motherboard behind her left ear and she’s started staring at people like she already knows how the conversation ends.

The others seem impressed.

Personally, I think she looks like she’s one software update away from running the place.

24/05/2026

22/05/2026

Honoured to be featured! 🥳

Eccentric public art, strange ruins, eerie landscapes, follies … Britain has a rich store of curiosities. An enthusiast selects 10 of the quirkiest finds from his new book

21/05/2026

Meet Jasmine.

She’s arrived with some trauma after surviving three shop window rejections (all rather dramatic), a yacht party in 2004 that she wasn’t invited to and an emotionally complicated trip to Ibiza that she’d rather not talk about.

Jasmine now spends most of her time silently judging everyone from the corner of the cinema lounge while clutching two tiny teddy bears for emotional support. She prefers Earl Grey tea if you’ve got the kettle on.