This little solid brick red pair have been made using London clay.

London clay is a marine deposit from the Palaeogene period, 50/60 million years ago, back when a warm tropical sea covered the London area. Geologically, the clay belt stretches across much of the Southeast of England and was a contributory reason the London Underground tunnels were easily dug. And interestingly, the clay beds supported the the London brick making industry throughout the Victorian era until the 1960's - so I suppose you can say it is what London is made of.

The clay I use is excavated from where a Victorian Workhouse once stood in Islington. Fascinated by recent local history as well as the clay’s pre-historic origin I sculpt each bird in the image of our city's little birds.

I get a variety of effects when firing. The birds turn an almost terracotta red colour from the kiln and a gorgeous deep dark brown or black when plunged, red hot, into sawdust. Some are smooth and others are textured but each bird has it’s own unique charm. These very tactile objects are lovely to hold and have a calming quality.

A little piece of London itself.

Presented in handmade bags.

These birds measure approximately 71x33x27mm and 36x29x24mm