A Tribute in Miniature by David A. Lindon

David A. Lindon has made a name for himself by sculpting impossibly tiny works of art, often visible only under a microscope. His latest piece, a miniature JOICO microscope, demonstrates his unparalleled skill and his deep appreciation for the tools that have shaped scientific discovery over the past century and beyond. 

“I am proud to announce the creation of the world's smallest sculpture of a microscope. The JOICO Microscope Micro Sculpture was hand-crafted to commemorate Nikon's inaugural JOICO microscope, introduced in 1925 and now celebrating its centenary year.” 

Holding an incredible 12 Guiness World Record titles including the smallest handmade sculpture ever, Lindon's recreation of the JOICO model using the Nikon SMZ25 is symbolic, bridging the gap between the early days of microscopy and today’s technological marvels.

The JOICO microscope was the first microscope designed by Nikon and signifies Nikon’s first entry into the field of scientific instrumentation. With a robust design, reliable optics, and accessibility, the JOICO’s straightforward mechanical construction and achromatic lenses offered scientists a clear window into the microscopic world, supporting research in biology, medicine, and materials science.

The Nikon SMZ25, which Lindon used to create his miniature, represents a leap forward in microscope design and capability. With a world-leading zoom ratio in stereomicroscopy, the SMZ25 enables observation of fine details with natural three-dimensional perception, even for objects smaller than the eye of a sewing needle.

“The clarity of view, large field of focus, and practical working distance have been transformational, allowing me a clear view of my creations.”

The ergonomic, intelligent design is another key feature of the SMZ25 that makes it ideal for meticulous work, such as David’s.

“The foot-pedal electronic controls that actuate the motorised zoom and focus are a crucial feature, significantly reducing the risk of damage to artwork by allowing me to operate the microscope without using my hands to adjust the instrument.”

These adjustable features and motorised controls show how modern microscopes like the SMZ25 are designed with user comfort as the key priority.

Crafting a miniature JOICO microscope was no small feat. His art is the sum of more than six years’ of painstaking work. David first needs to create his own handmade microscopic tools because there is nothing on earth small enough. He then works at night for 6-10 hours at a time to avoid the vibrations of the daytime traffic. He enters a meditative state and is required to work between heartbeats.  Lindon’s process involves working with specialized tools, often under the gaze of a microscope like the SMZ25 itself. Each component, down to the tiny adjustment knobs and optical tubes, is fashioned with painstaking attention to detail. The result is a scale model so small that it can sit on the head of a pin, yet so accurate that it is instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the original instrument.