U.K.-based paper artist Marc Hagan-Guirey, known online as PaperDandy, has spent three years meticulously cutting and gluing paper and cardboard to construct a massive miniature reproduction of Springfield, the fictional hometown of The Simpsons. Inspired by a late-night scroll through Pinterest, the project maps out iconic locations including 742 Evergreen Terrace, the Kwik-E-Mart, and Moe’s Tavern.
The Bottom Line
- The Creator: U.K. paper artist Marc Hagan-Guirey, professionally known as PaperDandy, spent three years bringing the project to life.
- The Scope: The build covers a detailed layout of Springfield’s most recognizable landmarks, ranging from the Simpson family home to Treehouse of Horror locations.
- The Ambition: Hagan-Guirey hopes to secure a partnership with a major entertainment studio to display the sprawling paper metropolis publicly.
Building Springfield From Scratch in a Home Studio
Working a typical 9-to-5 corporate job in the creative sector leaves little room for artistic expression during daylight hours. To counter the routine, Hagan-Guirey retreats to his workshop every evening, building intricate paper models to clear his head. Online, his portfolio features everything from Star Wars and The Addams Family to Amityville and Disney classics.
The concept took root late one evening when digital images of Springfield at night flashed across his screen on Pinterest. “I had a reaction really truly visceral,” Hagan-Guirey recounted to CTV Your Morning. “It’s very nostalgic. It’s comforting. And then, there’s also a bit of sadness in there.” That single late-night visual sparked a massive, three-year undertaking to faithfully replicate the town’s sprawling geography.
Mapping a Town That Refuses to Stay Still
Hagan-Guirey noted that mapping out the layout took considerable time because the town’s physical parameters change constantly throughout the series’ historic run.
To solve the spatial puzzle, he relied on foundational structures already deeply established in pop culture lore, then trusted his instincts to piece the rest of the neighborhood together. The workflow combined modern technology with old-school craftsmanship: first drafting specific structures in 3D software, then manually cutting and assembling the paper and cardboard elements. Among his favorite creations are the spooky residences featured in the annual Treehouse of Horror specials, a nod to his upbringing surrounded by folklore and superstitions.
From Wardrobe Storage to Hollywood Ambitions
Right now, the physical reality of the project takes up a lot of domestic space. The miniatures currently reside neatly packed inside boxes tucked away in the artist’s wardrobes and cupboards.
| Project Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Artist | Marc Hagan-Guirey (PaperDandy) |
| Time Invested | 3 Years |
| Medium | Paper and Cardboard |
| Key Locations | 742 Evergreen Terrace, Kwik-E-Mart, Krusty Burger, Moe’s Tavern, Treehouse of Horror builds |
Hagan-Guirey is openly aiming for a higher level of visibility for his labor of love. “I’m hoping to get a little phone call from a certain entertainment company with a mouse as a mascot, so that we can perhaps connect and do something together,” he said.
