Mute Swan
556 plant labels have been substituted for the 25000 feathers usually produced by a single bird, and arranged in the image of a Swan. The background is a vintage linen tablecloth, previously handcrafted with intricate stitch for use as a table decoration, but used here to provide a canvas for the portrait.
Used plant labels, still marked with traces of soil have been attached with needle and thread to represent feathers. They capture the elegant S-shape curvature of the Swans elongated neck and graceful posture.
Special thanks to Crabpot Books, High Street, Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR25 7RN for hosting Mute Swan during North Norfolk Open Studios 23rd May – 7th June 2026. Please pop inside to pick up an Open Studios booklet and to browse the wonderful selection of handpicked books.
ORIGINAL AVAILABLE Original vintage embroidered tablecloth with 556 plant labels, 100 x 100cm.
Archival Limited Edition Giclee print 80cm high x 77cm wide.
Click image below to enlarge.
