painted tin cut-out upon rustic wood base, signed to underside
37.5cm high overall

Born in the East End of London in 1939, it was Taplin’s relocation as a young child to Hereford that ignited his lifelong passion for nature and fascination with birds. Walking through countryside carved and divided geometrically by hedgerows, Taplin recalls finding a sparrow’s nest dotted with bright blue eggs,” I thought 'this is fantastic' and I think this was the turning point" he said. After moving back to London and briefly working as a gardener in Regent’s Park, Taplin indulged his love of birds by assuming the role of bird keeper at Regent’s Park. Upon observing the wildlife and the popularity of decoy ducks, in 1975 Taplin began carving the sculptural birds he is now famed for.

A daily pilgrimage to Wivenhoe beach on the Essex Coast provides Taplin with the resources required for his sculptures. Using the flotsam and jetsam gifted from the waves to the shore, Taplin’s work exploits the natural weathering of driftwood to mimic the texture of feathers and to narrate the history of the material. Contributing to a natural cycle, Taplin’s use of foraged driftwood functions to connect the viewer to both sea and sky, whilst his simple, stylised forms evoke the simplicity and beauty of the natural world. Rather than attempting to capture the true likeness of his subjects, Taplin aims to instead express the very essence and spirit of the bird.

Although he does not consider himself a “real artist”, Taplin’s work is highly sought after and is held in major collections including Tate Britain and the Royal Collection.

Condition Report

The tail with possible old loss and slightly bent, a small nick to back, general wear and rusting - see additional images. Tip of beak to tip of tail, measured in a straight line is app. 27.5cm.