“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.

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