The Hawthorn Queen

The Hawthorn Queen can be found in the pages of Robert Graves' 'Claudius the God': "a virgin who dresses in white in the spring and helps soldiers in battle by defending their stockades with her thorns". I took a lot of inspiration from observing hawthorn hedges as we edged towards May. Thick, closely entwined branches in the centre ending in abrupt straight lines where the hedge is cut and the leaves and flowers bloom. The Queen has an uncompromising expression.
 
This is a stone carving in red St Bees sandstone, a unique sculpture and the perfect gift for anyone who loves the challenges and beauty of spring