WHALE

Dimensions: 19 x 19 4.5 cm

Date assembled & painted: 2025

Details: A vast sperm whale overtakes a medieval ship painted in egg tempera by Venetia Higgins. They are immediately framed by 24ct gold (Venetia used raised manuscript gilding with a medieval gesso recipe) against a wider background inspired by patterns found within medieval manuscripts.

The frame surrounding the dove is made from English Elm and Oak. These timbers once formed part of the structural framework of Manor Farm Barn located in Runcton, Holme, Norfolk. The timber used in the construction of Manor Farm Barn was salvaged in the late 1500s from the lost medieval village of Wallington - a depopulated settlement formerly with estate lands of judge Sir Francis Gawdy (c1530-1605), who repurposed the timber to build barns and grain stores.