{"title":"River collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe live and work within the Evenlode Valley, the 45 mile stretch of the river Evenlode which rises near Moreton-in-Marsh and flows south-east into the river Thames. Many of our designs are inspired by spending time walking, spotting wildlife, and surveying (and maintaining) wildflowers, by the meandering river. We've gathered these designs together for our \"River collection\" featured below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2022 we were commissioned to design and make a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ablackbirdsang.com\/blogs\/a-blackbird-sang-news\/public-art-project-stonesfield-west-oxfordshire\" title=\"Further information about the public art project\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epublic art piece, a bench\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003c\/a\u003e overlooking the natural floodplains and wetlands of the Evenlode Valley. An original concept by Genny, the willow leaf shaped corten steel bench measures 2.4 metres in length and features a local stretch of the winding river Evenlode and lines from the poem The Evenlode by Hillaire Beloc:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe tender Evenlode that makes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHer meadows hush to hear the sound\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOf waters mingling in the brakes,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn January 2023, Tony wrote and published \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Link to watch, or listen to, Tony's \u0026quot;Stop All the Locks\u0026quot; - a poem about river pollution\" href=\"https:\/\/ablackbirdsang.com\/blogs\/a-blackbird-sang-news\/stop-all-the-locks-a-poem-about-river-pollution\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eStop all the Locks - A Poem about River Pollution\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and, later in the same year, we published \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ablackbirdsang.com\/products\/river-36pp-book\" title=\"Link to our River book\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eour first book, River\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. A collaboration of Tony's mixed poetry and Kath Fotheringham's willow-charcoal drawings, the book also includes research into dialect, river habitats and the names of things.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"wall-art-willow-and-kingfisher","title":"Wall Art - Willow and Kingfisher","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptations to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe common kingfisher was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae in 1758 as Gracula atthis. The modern binomial name derives from the Latin alcedo, 'kingfisher' (from Greek ἀλκυών, halcyon), and Atthis, a beautiful young woman of Lesbos, and favourite of Sappho.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCircular wall art featuring drawn willow with Kingfisher on a branch with its catch. Two sizes initially available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustom sizes also available (thickness of material may vary for custom sizes). Please email us for details. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eExtra Large: 100cm diameter (1.5mm)\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLarge: 75cm diameter (1.5mm) \u003cbr\u003eMedium: 50cm diameter (1.2mm)\u003cbr\u003eSmall: 30cm diameter (1.2mm)\u003cbr\u003eCustom: Size to order. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"100cm \/ RAL8019_DarkGrey \/ Kingfisher\u0026Willow","offer_id":45509970183,"sku":"WALL15_KF100","price":499.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"75cm \/ RAL8019_DarkGrey \/ Kingfisher\u0026Willow","offer_id":30294279454782,"sku":"WALL15_KF75","price":349.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"50cm \/ RAL8019_DarkGrey \/ Kingfisher\u0026Willow","offer_id":45510644487,"sku":"WALL15_KF50","price":139.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30cm \/ RAL8019_DarkGrey \/ Kingfisher\u0026Willow","offer_id":20508035153982,"sku":"WALL15_KF30","price":79.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_wallart_kingfisherwillow_1024.jpg?v=1603279031"},{"product_id":"grey-heron-ardea-cinerea","title":"Bird - Grey Heron","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Grey Heron design is for ground fixing in grass or a border. Ideally adjacent to a pond to ward off other herons if you have fish stocks. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows. In Ancient Egypt, the deity Bennu was depicted as a heron in New Kingdom artwork. In Ancient Rome, the heron was a bird of divination. Roast heron was once a specially prized dish; when George Neville became Archbishop of York in 1465, 400 herons were served to the guests. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe design is made from mild steel and designed to rust with a fork at the base for fixing into firm ground. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual bird silhouettes (blackbirds, sparrows and more) in different sizes and scales for indoor and outside. Made from steel. Some available in more than one size - see each bird for more information. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Life-sized\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/files\/birds_fixing_240x240.jpg?v=1604834354\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our birds are designed to fix to fences, posts and walls unless otherwise indicated. Important note: we advise against hammering any metal design into a living tree. Use of nails or screws also puts a living tree at risk of disease and damage over time.\n \n \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlackbird Large = 186mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlackbird Small = 68mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChaffinch (Male) = 95mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurlew = 260mm high: Mild steel to rust (336mm incl. ground fixing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDipper = 144mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat Tit = 133mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKingfisher  = 160mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-tailed Tit = 140mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePartridge = 185mm high (256mm incl. ground fixing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed Kite = 297mm high: Bronze powder coating (includes magnet for wall or fence fixing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobin = 100mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSong Thrush = 158mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSparrow Large = 136mm high - Designed for hanging \u0026amp; mobiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSparrow Small = 68mm high - Designed for hanging \u0026amp; mobiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwallow = 200mm high - (includes magnet for wall or fence fixing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWagtail = 162mm long\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWoodpecker = 210mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWren = 64mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Unless otherwise specified all are zinc-coated mild steel, powder coated in Dark Grey for indoor and outdoor use. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Heron - life-sized","offer_id":39510499000506,"sku":"BIRD19RUST","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_heron_withpond_2.jpg?v=1618140171"},{"product_id":"egret-egretta-garzetta","title":"Bird - Egret","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis design is in mild steel and designed to rust. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette, \"egret\", a diminutive of Aigron, \"heron\". The species epithet garzetta is from the Italian name for this bird, garzetta or sgarzetta.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at about six weeks of age. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded nor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual bird silhouettes (blackbirds, sparrows and more) in different sizes and scales for indoor and outside. Made from steel. Some available in more than one size - see each bird for more information. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Life-sized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/files\/birds_fixing_240x240.jpg?v=1604834354\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our birds are designed to fix to fences, posts and walls unless otherwise indicated. Important note: we advise against hammering any metal design into a living tree. Use of nails or screws also puts a living tree at risk of disease and damage over time.\n \n \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlackbird Large = 186mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlackbird Small = 68mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChaffinch (Male) = 95mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurlew = 260mm high: Mild steel to rust (336mm incl. ground fixing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDipper = 144mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEgret =578mm high\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat Tit = 133mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKingfisher  = 160mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-tailed Tit = 140mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePartridge = 185mm high (256mm incl. ground fixing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed Kite = 297mm high: Bronze powder coating (includes magnet for wall or fence fixing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobin = 100mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSong Thrush = 158mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSparrow Large = 136mm high - Designed for hanging \u0026amp; mobiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSparrow Small = 68mm high - Designed for hanging \u0026amp; mobiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwallow = 200mm high - (includes magnet for wall or fence fixing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWagtail = 162mm long\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWoodpecker = 210mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWren = 64mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Unless otherwise specified all are zinc-coated mild steel, powder coated in Dark Grey for indoor and outdoor use. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Egret - Life sized - to rust","offer_id":40086472818874,"sku":"BIRD18RUST","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_bird_littleegret_andpond.jpg?v=1626436725"},{"product_id":"copy-of-bird-kingfisher","title":"Bird - Kingfisher","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual bird silhouettes (blackbirds, sparrows and more) in different sizes and scales for indoor and outside. Made from steel. Available singly. Some available in two sizes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our birds are designed to fix to fences, posts and walls unless otherwise indicated. Important note: we advise against hammering any metal design into a living tree. Use of nails or screws also puts a living tree at risk of disease and damage over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Kingfisher  = 160mm high\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Unless otherwise specified all are mild steel and powder coated in Dark Grey for indoor and outdoor use. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"BlackPowderCoated_Steel","offer_id":42735313322232,"sku":"BIRD03","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/mvo_birds_kingfisher_gatepost_7ae91f69-366b-4eb7-b955-8fbc6bca476e.jpg?v=1649930383"},{"product_id":"copy-of-bird-white-throated-dipper","title":"Bird - White-throated Dipper","description":"\u003cp\u003eDippers are so-called because of their bobbing or dipping movements. They are unique among passerines for their ability to dive and swim underwater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jl23ZXoh2JQ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe genus Cinclus was introduced by the German naturalist Moritz Balthasar Borkhausen in 1797 with the white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus) as the type species. The name cinclus is from the Ancient Greek word kinklos that was used to describe small tail-wagging birds that resided near water. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe White-throated or European dipper inhabits the banks of fast-moving upland rivers with cold, clear waters, though, outside the breeding season, they may visit lake shores and sea coasts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnlike many water birds, dippers are generally similar in form to many terrestrial birds (for example they do not have webbed feet), but they do have some morphological and physiological adaptations to their aquatic habits. Their wings are relatively short but strongly muscled, enabling them to be used as flippers underwater. They have dense plumage with a large preen gland for waterproofing their feathers. Relatively long legs and sharp claws enable them to hold on to rocks in swift water. Their eyes have well-developed focus muscles that can change the curvature of the lens to enhance underwater vision. They have nasal flaps to prevent water entering their nostrils.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual bird silhouettes (blackbirds, sparrows and more) in different sizes and scales for indoor and outside. Made from steel. Some available in more than one size - see each bird for more information. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Dipper = 144mm high. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our birds are designed to fix to fences, posts and walls unless otherwise indicated. Important note: we advise against hammering any metal design into a living tree. Use of nails or screws also puts a living tree at risk of disease and damage over time. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Unless otherwise specified all are zinc-coated mild steel, powder coated in Dark Grey for indoor and outdoor use.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Dipper - Life-sized","offer_id":42735315714296,"sku":"BIRD13","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_dipper_withpondandlog_ae0ae773-635f-44c8-9d47-09a153e573d1.jpg?v=1649930638"},{"product_id":"copy-of-key-hooks-kingfisher","title":"Key Hooks - Kingfisher","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptations to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe common kingfisher was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae in 1758 as Gracula atthis. The modern binomial name derives from the Latin alcedo, 'kingfisher' (from Greek ἀλκυών, halcyon), and Atthis, a beautiful young woman of Lesbos, and favourite of Sappho.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of a range of different key hook designs. Each comes with two holes for fixings to a wall. Screws not supplied. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate. Illustrations for guidance on main design only. Actual hooks vary in length when bent by hand. Please also note that sometimes the design goes from left to right and vice versa - as we do all this in our studio and we like mixing it up!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes:\u003cbr\u003eA Blackbird Sang = 148 x 117 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eA Blackbird Sang without words = 148 x 117 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eHares  = 152 x 129 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003ePheasant = 148 x 93 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eBlackbird = 149 x 118 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eCow Parsley = 161 x 124 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eSnowdrops = 148 x 128 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eWren = 148 x 101 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eKingfisher = 148 x 119 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eRobin = 148 x 97 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eCurlew = 157 x 102 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eHeron = 151 x 130 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eOtter = 150 x 103 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003eHedgehog = 148 x 99 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Zinc-coated mild steel, powder coated\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Kingfisher","offer_id":42735351693560,"sku":"KEYH09","price":13.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_keyhooks_kingfisher_1024px_6f5abbaa-a229-4a29-8a34-92ffe96cd96d.jpg?v=1649931244"},{"product_id":"copy-of-key-hooks-otter","title":"Key Hooks - Otter","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates. Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, badgers, mink, and wolverines, among other animals. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe word otter derives from the Old English word otor or oter. This, and cognate words in other Indo-European languages, ultimately stem from the Proto-Indo-European language root *wódr̥, which also gave rise to the English word \"water\".\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTarka the Otter: His Joyful Water-Life and Death in the Country of the Two Rivers is a novel by Henry Williamson. The novel describes the life of an otter, along with a detailed observation of its habitat in the country of the River Taw and River Torridge in North Devon (the \"Two Rivers\"); the name \"Tarka\" is said by Williamson to mean \"Wandering as Water\". Though often now characterised as a children's book, Tarka has influenced literary figures as diverse as Ted Hughes and Rachel Carson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of a range of different key hook designs. Each comes with two holes for fixings to a wall. Screws not supplied. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate. Illustrations for guidance on main design only. Actual hooks vary in length when bent by hand. Please also note that sometimes the design goes from left to right and vice versa - as we do all this in our studio and we like mixing it up!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes:\u003cbr\u003eOtter = 150 x 103 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Zinc-coated mild steel, powder coated\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Otter","offer_id":42735352971512,"sku":"KEYH11","price":13.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_keyhooks_otter_1024px_ccef3533-1013-4242-be25-51fa39f6338a.jpg?v=1649931267"},{"product_id":"copy-of-key-hooks-heron","title":"Key Hooks - Heron","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn Ancient Egypt, the deity Bennu was depicted as a heron in New Kingdom artwork. In Ancient Rome, the heron was a bird of divination. Roast heron was once a specially prized dish; when George Neville became Archbishop of York in 1465, 400 herons were served to the guests. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe English surnames Earnshaw, Hernshaw, Herne, and Heron all derive from the heron, the suffix -shaw meaning a wood, referring to a place where herons nested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of a range of different key hook designs. Each comes with two holes for fixings to a wall. Screws not supplied. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate. Illustrations for guidance on main design only. Actual hooks vary in length when bent by hand. Please also note that sometimes the design goes from left to right and vice versa - as we do all this in our studio and we like mixing it up!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes:\u003cbr\u003eHeron = 151 x 130 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Zinc-coated mild steel, powder coated\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Heron","offer_id":42735371485432,"sku":"KEYH13","price":13.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_keyhooks_heron_1024px_298fe777-5ba0-4df6-951d-d8e620cd7081.jpg?v=1649931325"},{"product_id":"wall-art-trout-rising-to-mayfly-river-test-leckford","title":"Wall Art - Trout rising to Mayfly - River Test, Leckford","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis detailed piece forms part of a commissioned screen panel for Shaun Beale, Head Gardener at \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Leckford Estate - John Lewis Partnership and Waitrose\" href=\"https:\/\/leckfordestate.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Leckford Estate\u003c\/a\u003e,\u003c\/strong\u003e part of the John Lewis Partnership in Hampshire. The original screen was launched as part of Shaun's Show Garden for BBC Gardeners World 29 April 2022 at Beaulieu Estate, Hampshire. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach section of the screen features native species found and maintained in the habitats around the Leckford Estate. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ablackbirdsang.com\/collections\/wall-art-1\/products\/wall-screen-river-test-leckford\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Leckford Estate - River Test - Screen Wall Art\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClick here to see the screen itself.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/files\/abs_screen_rivertest_1024_480x480.jpg?v=1651160036\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/files\/abs_screen_rivertest_1024_480x480.jpg?v=1651160036\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCircular wall art featuring trout rising to take a mayfly on the River Test, Hampshire. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially only available in one size. Please email us if you wish to buy a larger size. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmall: 30cm diameter (0.9mm)\u003cbr\u003eZinc-coated mild steel\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"30cm \/ RAL8019_DarkGrey","offer_id":42789704630520,"sku":"WALL20_TROU30_8019","price":79.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30cm \/ Copper","offer_id":42789719343352,"sku":"WALL20_TROU30_COPP","price":79.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_wallart_trout_mayfly_30cm_copper.jpg?v=1651159150"},{"product_id":"wall-screen-river-test-leckford","title":"Wall Screen - River Test - Leckford","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis piece is a commissioned screen panel for Shaun Beale, Head Gardener at \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Leckford Estate - John Lewis Partnership and Waitrose\" href=\"https:\/\/leckfordestate.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Leckford Estate\u003c\/a\u003e,\u003c\/strong\u003e part of the John Lewis Partnership in Hampshire. The original screen was launched as part of Shaun's Show Garden for BBC Gardeners World 29 April 2022 at Beaulieu Estate, Hampshire. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach section of the screen features native species found and maintained in the habitats around the Leckford Estate. These include: the Bittern, Reed Warbler, Kingfisher, and...wait, why don't you see how many you can spot...?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially only available in one size. Please email us if you wish to buy a different  size. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed pieces also available initially include\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ablackbirdsang.com\/collections\/wall-art-1\/products\/wall-art-trout-rising-to-mayfly-river-test-leckford\" title=\"Trout rising to mayfly\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Trout rising to mayfly.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e75cm wide x 100 cm tall. 1.5mm stainless steel. Powder coated copper and dark grey 8019 options. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"75 x 100cm \/ RAL8019_DarkGrey","offer_id":42789761122552,"sku":"WALL21_LECK100_8019","price":599.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"75 x 100cm \/ Copper","offer_id":42789761155320,"sku":"WALL21_LECK100_COPP","price":599.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_wallart_leckfordscreen_8019_darkgrey_1024px.jpg?v=1651162095"},{"product_id":"pot-stems-dragonfly-on-rushes","title":"Pot Stems - Dragonfly on rushes","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe perfect enhancement to your favourite indoor plants. They can also be mounted in wood. Part of a 'growing series' of affordable gifts. Why not collect the set?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour: Dark grey (RAL 8019)\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Zinc-coated mild steel\u003cbr\u003eSize (approx): 300mm tall\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43451158561016,"sku":"SEED15_DRAGONFLY","price":13.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/products\/abs_potstems_dragonfly_1024.jpg?v=1667835197"},{"product_id":"river-36pp-book","title":"River - 36pp Book","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/files\/River_Inside_p18-19_90015824-17f5-4b71-aa20-6707e49ae9a2_480x480.jpg?v=1683212106\" alt=\"River book featuring pike with poetry\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt events throughout the year, Tony is often asked why his poetry work is not available in some form. Now it is. This is the first book from A Blackbird Sang, published in May 2023 and launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRiver features mixed poetry inspired by Kath Fotheringham's willow-charcoal drawings and vice versa. It also includes other research into dialect, river habitats and the names of things. Here are some of the things mentioned and drawn:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoorhen, Heron, Minnow, Willow-charcoal, River Usk, Rupert Brooke, Swift, Caddis-fly, William Blake, Trout, Pike, Otter, Water-crowfoot, River Cam, Kingfisher, Dragonfly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoems and text by Tony Davis and A Blackbird Sang\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOver 25 illustrations in willow charcoal by \u003ca title=\"Kath Fotheringham: artist, designer, wild swimmer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.swimtheriver.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKath Fotheringham\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e32 pp + cover\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinted by Pureprint Group, an ISO14001, FSC and CarbonNeutral® accredited printing company\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis book was printed using 100% vegetable-based inks and a water-based coating, on Revive 100 Uncoated, a fully recycled paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA select number of eco-digital prints based on the book will be available post-launch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn November 2022, Kath photographed ice-baubles created naturally above the river Cherwell in Oxfordshire. This inspired Tony to write his Blakean poem 'Auguries of Iciness'. This is also visible as a video poem narrated by Tony and Kath together (see below). \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"Auguries of Iciness.mp4\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/787707383?h=3e5b9086d0\u0026amp;badge=0\u0026amp;autopause=0\u0026amp;player_id=0\u0026amp;app_id=58479\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"River","offer_id":43807774310648,"sku":"BOOK_RIVER","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/files\/river_visual_best.jpg?v=1683235338"},{"product_id":"key-hooks-dragonfly-on-reeds","title":"Key Hooks - Dragonfly on reeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/files\/abs_river_prints_dragonfly_2048_2048x2048.jpg?v=1695470180\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDragonflies are represented in human culture on artefacts such as pottery, rock paintings, statues, and Art Nouveau jewellery. They are used in traditional medicine in Japan and China, and caught for food in Indonesia. They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore. Their bright colours and agile flight are admired in the poetry of Lord Tennyson and the prose of H. E. Bates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove a print from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ablackbirdsang.com\/collections\/books-and-prints\/products\/river-36pp-book\" title=\"River book\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRiver book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e showing Kath Fotheringham's beautiful dragonfly. Words by Tony Davis. Here's a haiku of his (after Basho).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eemerald pepper pod\u003cbr\u003enow two pairs of wings, and look!\u003cbr\u003edarting dragonfly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of a range of different key hook designs. Each comes with two holes for fixings to a wall. Screws not supplied. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate. Illustrations for guidance on main design only. Actual hooks vary in length when bent by hand. Please also note that sometimes the design goes from left to right and vice versa - as we do all this in our studio and we like mixing it up!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes:\u003cbr\u003e148 x 117 x 0.9 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Zinc-coated mild steel, powder coated\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Dragonfly","offer_id":44019819839736,"sku":"KEYH17","price":13.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/files\/abs_keyhooks_dragonfly_against_brick.jpg?v=1695469218"},{"product_id":"papercut-goldfinch-feeding-on-teasel","title":"Papercut - Goldfinch feeding on teasel","description":"\u003cp\u003eVarious papercuts based on original drawings. Sometimes combining poetry with image. Sometimes with printed backdrops. Commissions welcome. See also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvisibleobject.com\/products\/papercut-evenlode-poem-hilaire-belloc\" title=\"Papercut - Hilaire Belloc\"\u003eThe Evenlode by Hilaire Belloc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images shown may be of different designs but a good guide to colour and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate.\u003cbr\u003eStandard Size: 216 x 216mm\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Papercut","offer_id":58070487466358,"sku":"PAPERCUT_Goldfinch","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"papercut-bittern-amongst-the-reeds","title":"Papercut - Bittern amongst the reeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eVarious papercuts based on original drawings. Sometimes combining poetry with image. Sometimes with printed backdrops. Commissions welcome. See also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvisibleobject.com\/products\/papercut-evenlode-poem-hilaire-belloc\" title=\"Papercut - Hilaire Belloc\"\u003eThe Evenlode by Hilaire Belloc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images shown may be of different designs but a good guide to colour and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate.\u003cbr\u003eStandard Size: 216 x 216mm\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Papercut","offer_id":58070494478710,"sku":"PAPERCUT_Bittern","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"papercut-columbine-grannys-bonnets-or-aquilegia","title":"Papercut - Columbine, Granny's Bonnets or Aquilegia","description":"\u003cp\u003eVarious papercuts based on original drawings. Sometimes combining poetry with image. Sometimes with printed backdrops. Commissions welcome. See also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvisibleobject.com\/products\/papercut-evenlode-poem-hilaire-belloc\" title=\"Papercut - Hilaire Belloc\"\u003eThe Evenlode by Hilaire Belloc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images shown may be of different designs but a good guide to colour and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate.\u003cbr\u003eStandard Size: 216 x 216mm\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Papercut","offer_id":58070497788278,"sku":"PAPERCUT_Columbine","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"papercut-egret-hunting-frogs","title":"Papercut - Egret hunting frogs","description":"\u003cp\u003eVarious papercuts based on original drawings. Sometimes combining poetry with image. Sometimes with printed backdrops. Commissions welcome. See also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvisibleobject.com\/products\/papercut-evenlode-poem-hilaire-belloc\" title=\"Papercut - Hilaire Belloc\"\u003eThe Evenlode by Hilaire Belloc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images shown may be of different designs but a good guide to colour and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate.\u003cbr\u003eStandard Size: 216 x 216mm\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Papercut","offer_id":58070501720438,"sku":"PAPERCUT_Egret","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"papercut-frog-and-tadpoles-in-the-pond","title":"Papercut - Frog and tadpoles in the pond","description":"\u003cp\u003eVarious papercuts based on original drawings. Sometimes combining poetry with image. Sometimes with printed backdrops. Commissions welcome. See also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvisibleobject.com\/products\/papercut-evenlode-poem-hilaire-belloc\" title=\"Papercut - Hilaire Belloc\"\u003eThe Evenlode by Hilaire Belloc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images shown may be of different designs but a good guide to colour and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate.\u003cbr\u003eStandard Size: 216 x 216mm\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Papercut","offer_id":58070502769014,"sku":"PAPERCUT_Frog","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"papercut-pied-flycatcher-in-the-air","title":"Papercut - Pied flycatcher in the air","description":"\u003cp\u003eVarious papercuts based on original drawings. Sometimes combining poetry with image. Sometimes with printed backdrops. Commissions welcome. See also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvisibleobject.com\/products\/papercut-evenlode-poem-hilaire-belloc\" title=\"Papercut - Hilaire Belloc\"\u003eThe Evenlode by Hilaire Belloc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images shown may be of different designs but a good guide to colour and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll dimensions approximate.\u003cbr\u003eStandard Size: 216 x 216mm\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A Blackbird Sang","offers":[{"title":"Papercut","offer_id":58070504079734,"sku":"PAPERCUT_PiedFlycatcher","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1221\/7730\/collections\/river_visual_best.jpg?v=1770041952","url":"https:\/\/ablackbirdsang.com\/collections\/river-collection\/pied-flycatcher.oembed","provider":"A Blackbird Sang","version":"1.0","type":"link"}