The Dance Of The Birds (W3)

Catalogue Record

Collection

Maker

Mabel Pakenham-Walsh

Title

The Dance Of The Birds

Made in

Stourbridge

Date

1974

Description

Square elm panel carved and painted in numerous colours, depicting a human head and hands, surrounded by abstract bird and floral patterns.

Materials and techniques

Elm wood, carved and painted in enamel colours.

Dimensions

length:  38cm
width:  37cm

Object number

W3

Category

  • The Dance of the Birds, Mabel Pakenham-Walsh, 1974, Crafts Council Collection: W3. Photo: Todd-White Art Photography.

Maker's statement

The idea for "dance of the birds" came the night my niece Jenny was born. As the work was to tour I reckoned I could put across
1. Some anti-aparthield propoganda
2. Some of the admiration I have for "primitive" tribal peoples,
3. A celebration of kids made in an area where I found children undervalued & without essential facilities like museums, theatre, modern art galleries, adventure playgrouds or creative participation.

Mabel Pakenham-Walsh, 11 August 1977