The Winnowed Prince

This crown is made of brass, copper, paste stones and ‘found’ fur trim. It was inspired by crowns on religious statues seen in many countries. I often visit churches. I’m intrigued by the craftsmanship it takes to make everything in them. The symbolism, the colour schemes and the smells all draw us in to a powerful theatrical experience.

When the enclosures act came into being the common man could be blinded for poaching the king’s deer. This is to remind us of the history of our game. If you would like to find out more about this visit the Three Acres and a Cow website

This skull was given to me by a gamekeeper in Herefordshire over 20 years ago. Its horn was sawn off, to be used for a walking stick handle. I have had the skull for many years not knowing what to do with it. Learning silversmithing gave me the opportunity to transform it and make reference to politics which horrifies me.

Perhaps this young deer was the future king of his herd. We are told culling is necessary to keep the herd healthy. I would suggest that’s only the case because there isn’t enough territory for them to be healthy and get the nutrients they need because we have colonised it all.

The gamekeeper was a traditional man, making his life from the land, he seemed to be a very caring man and was happy he dispatched the deer quickly. I thought a crown would be a good symbol to honour him in his death, especially as deer used to be associated with royal families and aristocracy. For them to hunt exclusively while the peasants starved.

Not technically taxidermy but still using the remains of an animal whose life was cut short because of humans.