"Wings of the Bewick's"
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My year 2020 started with an amazing request from the WWT; Could I create something special just for them? I was delighted to be asked to collaborate with the wetlands charity conservation team. Their mission complimented my own environmental values, to conserve wildlife by inspiring others to take care of nature.
During winter visits to the Slimbridge reserve I spent hours studying and learning about my latest muse, the Bewick's Swan. Goose bumps whispered down my arms as I stood sketching in the same spot as the 'Patron Saint of Conservation'. Gazing through his famous large window, I was astonished and honoured to have found myself following in the brushstrokes of artist, pioneering wildlife conservationist, inventor, Olympic sportsman and Naval war hero, Sir Peter Scott. Starlings rushed overhead, ducks and geese bathed while swans rejoiced in each other's company. One bonded pair of Bewick's by the name of Romeo and Juliet instantly stood out. From Scott's window I witnessed love, devotion and community. On a clear crisp evening I returned to the Slimbridge reserve during their floodlight swan experience. The birds shimmered in the light, their white plumage set brightly against the dark blue of the water and night sky. The stars twinkled above and for a moment it began to snow just a little. A pair of Bewick's swans glided into view, one raised his body above the water, spread his wings and called out. The final artwork had just appeared right in front of me, a breathtaking, visual gift from nature. |
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By March all my research was in place, I was ready to begin the final design, then the year 2020 took an unexpected turn. With shock I watched the world battle, struggle and grieve as Covid 19 spread. I was experiencing the most tragic situation I have ever encountered and all I could do was stay at home. Like many during this unprecedented time, I found solace in the natural world and through creativity. Natures gift on that winters evening was now my therapy.
Each day at home, as I endeavoured to capture the pure beauty of the Bewick's swan, I was transported from the harsh reality of lockdown to the beautiful British wetlands. Weeks passed, the spread of the virus slowed and the artwork was complete. As the UK began to carefully try to get back on its feet, business tentatively resumed. Working with local and British based businesses the detailed design has been printed onto the finest cotton fabric and hemmed by hand in my home town of Lancaster. Silver gilded gift boxes have just arrived in the post from Sussex making the bespoke garment complete. As lockdown restrictions relaxed I have been able to venture a little further from home to photograph and film the scarf in the countryside. In our absence it appears that nature has thrived and from this I hope lessons can be learned. |
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In 1963, Peter and Philippa Scott and their young daughter were painting Bewick’s swans at their window in Slimbridge. As they sketched, they noticed each bird’s bill markings were slightly different. They learned to recognise each one by its face and gave them names.
Through their art, the Scott’s discovered their new friends had loyal partners for life. Paired birds will seek each other out if separated during migration and perform joyous ‘triumph ceremonies’ on being re-united. They also mourn the loss of a mate, generally taking at least a year to re-pair with a new partner and even longer to breed. This is the inspiration behind this beautiful scarf, commissioned from artist and designer Sandy Gardner. During visits to Slimbridge Sandy studied the Scotts’ beak illustrations then sketched and photographed the swans. Within her research two Bewick's, named Romeo and Juliet, stood out. This bonded pair provided the starting point for the artwork, "Wings of the Bewick's". Each year Romeo and Juliet, like the many other Bewick’s that visit Slimbridge, undertake one of nature’s greatest migrations, flying 3,500 km from their breeding grounds in the far north of Russia to their wintering grounds in Western Europe. But sadly not all make it and numbers have dropped by a third in recent years. There are now less than 21,000 left. Predators, loss of wetlands, illegal hunting, poisoning by lead ammunition and collisions with power lines have all played a part in this dramatic drop in numbers. |
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Through it’s beautiful & intricate
illustrations, this artwear tells
the story of Romeo & Juliet
and their extraordinary migration.
Romeo (right) is courting Juliet (left) with his soft honking so evocative of Britain’s wetlands in winter.
Together they bob their heads in a blissful courtship dance.
Romeo and Juliet are seen flying through the reed beds.
Together they bob their heads in a blissful courtship dance.
Romeo and Juliet are seen flying through the reed beds.
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Behind Romeo and Juliet are two large circles featuring the months the Bewick's arrive in the UK
(October and November) and depart (February and March).
Under the wings of Romeo and Juliet is a map showing some of the Bewick's summer and winter locations.
Illustrations of power lines and wind turbines depict the dangerous man made obstacles the swans navigate.
(October and November) and depart (February and March).
Under the wings of Romeo and Juliet is a map showing some of the Bewick's summer and winter locations.
Illustrations of power lines and wind turbines depict the dangerous man made obstacles the swans navigate.
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Prominent star constellations in the winter sky are featured within the artwork. These include The Plough, Orion and Cygnus (Latin for swan). The Plough constellation, in Latin known as Ursa Major (Greater Bear) is a representation of the swans’ natural threats. Portrayed in the background are brown bears, arctic foxes, weasels and golden eagles, all predators of the Bewick's eggs and cygnets. Orion is known in mythology as The Hunter. Bewick's are shot illegally by hunters, they are also susceptible to eating the lead ammunition sprayed from shotguns, which poisons, weakens and all too often kills them.
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The circles towards the back are evocative
of a pair of bird watcher’s binoculars.
There is a small Bewick's swan under the right wing.
This image is taken from a woodcut of the swan by Robert Elliot Bewick.
The swans were named after his father, Thomas Bewick, by zoologist William Yarrell.
Along the top of the scarf there is a murmuration
of starlings flying in formation
- another UK winter wetland spectacle.
of a pair of bird watcher’s binoculars.
There is a small Bewick's swan under the right wing.
This image is taken from a woodcut of the swan by Robert Elliot Bewick.
The swans were named after his father, Thomas Bewick, by zoologist William Yarrell.
Along the top of the scarf there is a murmuration
of starlings flying in formation
- another UK winter wetland spectacle.
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I am delighted and honoured to have created
this Bewick's swan scarf exclusively for WWT.
Sandy Gardner 2020
this Bewick's swan scarf exclusively for WWT.
Sandy Gardner 2020
Luxurious Packaging
Each scarf has been carefully packaged
in a beautiful silver gilded box.
Within the gift box is a 'how to wear the scarf'
suggestions and the story of Romeo & Juliet.
in a beautiful silver gilded box.
Within the gift box is a 'how to wear the scarf'
suggestions and the story of Romeo & Juliet.
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Sandy Gardner in her studio
creating Wings of the Bewick's
Each design begins with a combination of pen and ink line drawings coloured with water colours washes. With the meticulously use of a drawing tablet, fine brush details are added. Each design is completed by digitally combining the hand rendered elements with layered fragments of digital photography and collage.
My Cotton Lawn Artwear is digitally printed onto one side of the fabric, the high definition design shows through slightly lighter on the reverse side. The piece is finished with a fine rolled over locked hem using a coordinating coloured thread.
My Cotton Lawn Artwear is digitally printed onto one side of the fabric, the high definition design shows through slightly lighter on the reverse side. The piece is finished with a fine rolled over locked hem using a coordinating coloured thread.
More than a scarf...
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This elegant, luxurious Artwear piece is versatile and stylish. It is the perfect adaptable accessory for your evening wear or day wear. The shape, size and beautiful drape of the fabric means the garment can be worn in myriad ways. Wear attractively around your arms and shoulders in the evening, sophisticatedly wrap it around your neck as a scarf or draw on its soft fabric protect your skin from the sun. With ease you can revitalise existing wardrobe garments by pairing the piece as a halter neck top, skirt wrap or simply drape over each shoulder. This attire would effortlessly take its place in your wardrobe as a distinctive accessory and would make a unique gift for someone special.
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Exclusive 'Romeo & Juliet'
print signed by Sandy Gardner
Limited Edition, Maquette print of 'Romeo & Juliet'
I did this as a little extra something special for the first to get their wings.
Included as a gift from Sandy Gardner with the first 100 scarves.
I did this as a little extra something special for the first to get their wings.
Included as a gift from Sandy Gardner with the first 100 scarves.
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Square format of the above films for Facebook / Instagram
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About each Artwear
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✤ Cotton Fabric - Cotton Lawn
My Artwear is made from a lightweight, breathable 100% high end cotton lawn fabric, chosen for its luxurious smooth, soft un-textured feel. The fine weave of this fabric makes it possible to achieve high definition vibrant prints. The detail of the prints shows every brush stroke and feather as in my original artwork. ✤Care & handling: Please be gentle with your cotton handmade item / Cool wash the scarf separately. / Medium heat steam iron. / Machine wash 30ºC / Do not tumble dry. ✤ Each piece is prepared especially for you. I check each Artwear thoroughly then carefully hand fold the garment. The shawl is wrapped in tissue paper and placed into a beautiful gilded Sandy Gardner gift box. Included is a certificate, fold out photo gallery, Romeo and Juliet story card and some suggestions on how to wear the scarf. ✤Size: Each Cotton Artwear piece measures approximately 68cm x 198cm (approx. 26" x 78" inches) ✤Packaging: Each piece is prepared especially for you. I check each Artwear thoroughly then package your Artwear in recycled or recyclable packaging. ✤I use natural, recycled & recyclable materials and seek out fair trade components where possible. ✤100% Natural Fabrics, Organic Cotton Tote Bags, Water based inks, starch cellophane when necessary, recycled paper bags & packaging ✤I avoid single used plastics and recycle. ✤I work with local businesses where possible. |
British Quality Assured:
I refuse to compromise on quality therefore my designs are printed and produced to an extremely high standard in the UK. The distinctive artisan approach of fabric printing, as well as a cutting edge in-house design team makes my fabric printer one of the finest in the world. Their rich heritage and the wealth of printing expertise and knowledge is exceptional and they employ only the finest, skilled craftsman in designing and printing cloths. Each Artwear is hand finished, personally checked and packaged by ourselves especially for you.
Environment:
My fabric printers are classed as an "Environmentally Permitted Site" falling under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010. "Protecting the environment is an important part of what we do. Our sustainability policy involves encouraging every member of the workforce to respect our natural resources. Our aim is to be a responsible member of the local and global community, we understand society’s challenges and we act accordingly. We are committed to our ongoing investment programme to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and control effluent."
I refuse to compromise on quality therefore my designs are printed and produced to an extremely high standard in the UK. The distinctive artisan approach of fabric printing, as well as a cutting edge in-house design team makes my fabric printer one of the finest in the world. Their rich heritage and the wealth of printing expertise and knowledge is exceptional and they employ only the finest, skilled craftsman in designing and printing cloths. Each Artwear is hand finished, personally checked and packaged by ourselves especially for you.
Environment:
My fabric printers are classed as an "Environmentally Permitted Site" falling under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010. "Protecting the environment is an important part of what we do. Our sustainability policy involves encouraging every member of the workforce to respect our natural resources. Our aim is to be a responsible member of the local and global community, we understand society’s challenges and we act accordingly. We are committed to our ongoing investment programme to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and control effluent."
