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This item will be posted to you by Kathryn Parsons Ceramics within 5 days of receiving payment.
| Shipping destination | Cost | Additional items |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £4.00 | |
| EU & Northern Ireland | Doesn't deliver here | |
| United States | Doesn't deliver here | |
| Rest of the World | Doesn't deliver here | |
I am fascinated by the small details of the natural world, so I often notice fallen acorn cups and the shapes of curious fungi and lichens that grow nearby. Using a magnifying lens to look closely at these treasures is like diving in to a whole other world! By creating this sculpture I was trying to capture some of that intricate detail and beauty, and to share that sense of wonder I find in seeing something curious for the first time.
When I found this photograph at an antiques fair it reminded me of the stories of Sunday afternoon boating trips on Whittlesey Mere (a large lake that was drained in the 1800s). It took a long time to find a box that was the right shape and feel for the photograph, and then even longer deciding what else to put inside! One day I was trying out different options when I picked up the acorn cup and it fitted perfectly... it just needed a centre, which I made from porcelain, because of its preciousness.
You have 14 days, from receipt, to notify the seller if you wish to cancel your order or exchange an item.
Unless faulty, the following types of items are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to your specific requirements; items which deteriorate quickly (e.g. food), personal items sold with a hygiene seal (cosmetics, underwear) in instances where the seal is broken; digital items.
Additional terms
Please note that your sculpture will be sent by Royal Mail "Signed For 1st Class" - signature required on delivery (delivery takes 1-2 working days from posting).
Please note that if your order is being posted outside mainland UK, you (or the recipient) may have to pay customs or VAT charges and a handling fee. The seller is not responsible for any charges or fees that may incur.
Full description
“Whittlesey Mere” is a miniature mixed media sculpture - a collection of treasures, found and made, nestled in an old jewellery box. It tells an imaginary story from long ago, of a sunny day spent messing about in boats and the discovery of a rather unusual acorn.
I made the tiny white 'acorn' from porcelain using simple tools, fired it in my kiln and then set it in a real acorn cup. A tendril of wild clematis curls around the acorn's stem, held in place with home-dyed cotton. Inside the lid is part of an old photograph.
The box and the old photograph both have signs of age and wear. The box is beautifully faded and rubbed on the lid. In some places the paper has been worn away, especially on some of the corners, and the pale card lining inside has some slight marks too. I’ve done my very best to photograph the colours accurately, but please note colours can look different on different devices.
So that the box can hang on the wall I have added a loop of tiny brown and gold vintage beads (because of its shape, it doesn't lay flat). Alternatively you can display the box on a shelf by rest the lid against something to keep it open.
Including catch and beads, when hanging open "Whittlesey Mere" measures approximately 9.5cm by 15cm, and is just over 1cm deep. I've signed the sculpture on the back.
This unique sculpture would be a beautiful gift for a nature lover, story teller, rower... or someone who delights in miniature handmade treasures.
Designed by Kathryn Parsons in my studio in Cambridgeshire
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