Honeycomb

In conversation with local beekeepers, I became aware of a phenomena known as ghost hives; the result of colony collapse disorder. We began experimenting with the ‘lost wax’ process of bronze casting - capturing individual combs in bronze. The use of the lost wax technique seemed like a poignant way to highlight the decline of these beautiful creatures but the myths and legends surrounding bees and beekeeping have provided a rich seam of inspiration that continues to inspire.

In 2018 we made our first large scale honeycomb hanging; tacking together individual wax combs to create a vast sheet from from which we could take casts. These swathes of gilded comb were then overlaid one on top of another and embellished with resin and semi-precious stones in honey coloured hues to create a Dossel or Altar cloth.

Honeycomb on this scale starts to read as tapestry or map yet on close inspection there is a jewel like structure to the sacred geometry of the gilded faceted comb. For me it perfectly encapsulates the moment where representation becomes abstraction, ordinary becomes extraordinary, intricate detail pointing to a far bigger picture. Enchantment on a grand scale.

Gobelin’s Gold, 2023

23.5ct gold leaf and gypsum Honeycomb Dossel.

Height 420cm (165")
Width 250cm (98")
Depth 6cm (2.3”)

At 4.2 meters in height, Gobelin’s Gold is the largest in a series of gilded honeycomb wallhangings commissioned by the Dorchester collective for The Lana Dubai.

Individual wax combs from Sussex hives are tacked together to create a vast sheet of honeycomb from which casts can be made. These swathes of gilded comb are overlaid one on top of another to make up a golden Dossel or altar cloth.

Gobelin’s Gold references the historical Parisian tapestry workshop on the Rue Des Gobelin’s and in both title and appearance contains echoes of fairytales. Goblin’s Gold is the name of a luminous cave dwelling moss whose surface is covered with tiny lenses that search out and reflect any faint light. Traditionally the gold of altar cloths and altarpieces would have been viewed by candlelight in otherwise unlit churches catching and refracting the golden light.

Dorchester Dossel, 2022

23.5ct gold leaf and gypsum Honeycomb Dossel.

Height 270cm (106")
Width 220cm (86")
Depth 6cm (2.3”)

The Dorchester Dossel was commissioned by the Dorchester collective in 2022 for the newly refurbished Dorchester Hotel in central London.

Individual wax combs from Sussex hives are tacked together to create a vast sheet of honeycomb from which casts can be made. These swathes of gilded comb are embellished with honey coloured resins and overlaid one on top of another to make up a golden Dossel or altar cloth that hangs above the reception desk in the iconic gilded lobby.

Hoard Series

Gilded Bronze wall mounted plaque set with semi precious stones and honey coloured resins.

Height 40.6cm (16”)
Width 30.4cm (12”)
Depth 0.5cm

Hoard - to stock or store, typically in secret. The Hoard series uses the ‘Lost Wax’ process of casting to capture honeycomb in Bronze. This traditionally robust medium assumes a jewellery like delicacy when applied to the faceted honeycomb structure. Each comb is then gilded in 24ct gold leaf before being set with semi-precious stones and resins in honey colours including, amber, quartz, citrine, garnets and sapphires.

Dossel Cloths

Gilded honeycomb wallhangings cast in gypsum composite.

Various sizes

A Dossel is an ornamental fabric hung behind the altar of a church or strung over a throne or bed as a shelter.

Individual wax combs from Sussex hives are tacked together to create a vast sheet of honeycomb from which casts can be made. These swathes of plaster comb are gilded and then overlaid one on top of another to make up a faceted shimmering hanging shown here as both a diptych and a stand alone ‘tapestry’.

Hoard, Nimbus - Series

Wall hung gilded honeycomb cloud cast in gypsum composite embellished with honey coloured resins.