by LUKE SALKELD

Last updated at 00:28 12 May 2007

It is not the most eye catching of art collections - mainly because you can barely see it with the naked eye.

In fact, you need a powerful microscope to appreciate the talent that has gone into creating these extraordinary sculptures.

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All 70 pieces could fit into a matchbox with room to spare and include carvings made from individual grains of sand less than half the size of the full stop at the end of this sentence.

The collection is valued at more than £11million and has just been bought by David Lloyd, the former tennis champion turned art collector.

Pieces include a Scottie dog on a grain of sand, Henry VIII and his wives in the eye of a needle and Prince Charles on a cocktail stick. There is also the Statue of Liberty in the eye of a needle and a sculpture of Marilyn Monroe, half the size of a full-stop, carved out of diamond.

The pieces are all the work of artist Willard Wigan, who said he slows down his heartbeat and goes into a meditative state to prevent tremors when he is working.

Each piece can require him to carve for up to 16 hours a day for two months - and the slightest movement can be disastrous.

He said: "The pulse in my fingertip can ruin a sculpture and I have to work at night because the vibrations from traffic can cause problems."

Mr Wigan uses a range of materials which he positions under a microscope. He carves them using tiny tools with blades made from diamond shards.

He says the work is difficult and remembers one piece that was ruined by the fluttering wings of a fly which landed under his lens.

"It is impossible to enjoy the work when you are doing it," he said.

"The enjoyment comes from seeing people's reactions when you're finished."

Mr Wigan, 49, said he was delighted with the sale, which was made on the condition that the collection would be exhibited to the public.

He said: "I didn't do it for myself, I wanted to share it with the world.

"It's good when people's mouths drop open or they have a look under the microscope because they don't believe how small it is."

He continued: "I feel honoured and privileged. I've been working a long time and all that hard work has paid off.

"From an early age I knew I would be successful and knowing that my work has been valued at that amount makes me realise how much people appreciate my work."

Mr Wigan says each piece is worth up to £160,000, but refused to reveal the price paid by Mr Lloyd, who has insured the collection for £11.2million.

Mr Lloyd, who made £200million after selling his chain of health clubs, said: "It is difficult to comprehend the enormous concentration and personal sacrifice involved, but the resulting pieces are breathtaking."