Inspired by the phrase “Then it begins again. I swear to stand at your side, my love, and guard you unto my last breath… and beyond” and based on the archaic idea of the stereotypical storybook hero; the strong man protecting the damsel in distress. However while keeping the female frail, scared and clad in flowers and jewellery (as these old storybooks often portray them) I’ve steered away from the ‘Prince charming’ idea and created the male with a large build, beard and animal furs, more similar to the way Vikings are often portrayed.

I’ve created this piece from old books (predominantly war-based and romantic novels) and have tried to create the impression of the figures emerging from a book itself, in order to tie back to the overriding idea of the storybook hero.

The sculpture won 1st place for 3D in the 2015 Drey Contemporary Cheffins Art Prize and then went on to be displayed at various exhibitions around the UK however I stopped exhibiting the piece for a few years and had it displayed in my personal collection due to its sentimental value to me, before I decided to put it up for sale.

I would consider this my first 'real piece' as it was the first one I'd ever had accepted into a gallery, and as such I feel it was the piece that began my career. So I was so pleased to find out it was going to be going to a home that would appreciate and respect it.