Drunk Bird in Need of Support - Collections Online | Museum Wales
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Drunk Bird in Need of Support

FORD, Laura (Artist)

Sculpture of a bird slumped against a tree. Its wings seem to grip the trunk to steady itself and its neck hangs over a branch. The other two branches of the tree have large, flattened flowers on each end.

The artists initials and edition number – LF and 3/6 – are written on the base.

The form was created by re-using a rubber mould from an earlier project. The original was modelled in clay. This iteration is made from stoneware. In the making process the fragile legs detached allowing the bird to become legless in order that it can be moved with more ease.

This sculpture of a bird slumped against a tree takes on the human characteristic of drunkenness. Its wings seem to grip the trunk to steady itself and its neck hangs over a branch. The other two branches of the tree have large, flattened flowers on each end.

The bird is dishevelled and oddly proportioned. It has fallen victim to excess. It is charming but could also symbolise human impact on nature.

The form was created by re-using a rubber mould from an earlier project. The original was modelled in clay. This iteration is made from stoneware. In the making process the fragile legs detached allowing the bird to become legless.

The artists initials and edition number – LF and 3/6 – are written on the base.

Drunk Bird in Need of Support
Image: © Laura Ford/Amgueddfa Cymru — Museum Wales
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Collection Area

Art

Item Number

NMW A 39767

Creation/Production

FORD, Laura
Role: Artist
Place: West Sussex
Period: 2023

Acquisition

Gift, 31/3/2026
Gift from KennedyTing

Measurements

Height (cm): 60
Width (cm): 59
Depth (cm): 17

Techniques

Glazed
Decoration
Applied Art
Moulded
Forming
Applied Art

Material

Ceramic

Location

In store

Categories

Cerameg | Ceramics Celf Gymhwysol | Applied Art Cerflun | Sculpture Celf Gain | Fine Art Sculpture Bird Swan Drunkeness CADP content
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