Made using London clay -a marine deposit from the Palaeogene period, 50/60 million years ago, back when a warm tropical sea covered London. The clay 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. Or a mottled combination, not unlike tortoise-shell. Some turn out 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. Presented in a handmade stripey gift bag. This bird measures approximately 108mmx55x42mm This solid black bird is heavy - a wonderful weight in the hand!