Images show plasticine and wood original for bronze.
Bronze, Signed Hamish Mackie
Numbered Edition of 12
Dated 2026
approx 26cm high x 41cm long x 16cm wide / approx 10″ x 16″ x 6″
Sculptures can be shipped worldwide at cost, no VAT payable on exports outside the EU.
£TBC
The corncrake is one of Britain’s most elusive and enigmatic birds. More often heard than seen, its distinctive rasping call drifts across meadows on summer nights, while the bird remains hidden amongst tall grasses and vegetation.
Corncrakes are summer visitors, wintering in central and southern Africa. Once widespread across the British Isles, numbers here have declined dramatically and the bird is classified as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern in the UK. The breeding population is now restricted to a few key areas in the western and northern islands of Scotland.
To catch sight of a corncrake in the open is a rare privilege. This sculpture captures one such fleeting moment. Depicted clambering over a weathered piece of driftwood, the bird has paused briefly before it disappears once more into cover. The composition reflects the corncrake’s secretive nature, while also revealing the strength and agility that allow it to move effortlessly through dense vegetation.
Its beautifully patterned plumage provides perfect camouflage, and its strong legs are adapted for a life spent largely on the ground. In sculpting the corncrake, I sought to capture not only these physical characteristics but also the sense of alertness and quiet determination that make it such a fascinating subject.
The driftwood forms an important part of the sculpture, evoking the untamed landscapes in which corncrakes are found and creating a natural setting for the bird. The contrast between the weathered textures of the wood and the delicate feather detail adds movement and visual interest to the piece.
As with much of my work, the inspiration comes from a deep appreciation of wildlife and the privilege of observing animals in their natural environment. The corncrake has long been a symbol of Britain’s disappearing meadowlands, and its elusive nature only adds to its appeal.
Cast in bronze, this sculpture celebrates a bird that most people hear but rarely see, capturing a brief and intimate glimpse into the life of one of our most secretive and captivating species.
