The “Still Lifes” aim to question and play upon Victorian notions of classification, specimens, analysis and vitrine display. The chickens in the photographs were bred purely for show creating a tension between individual living creatures and examples of human conceptions of idealised types.

The camera’s ability to freeze the image creates the superficial appearance of a taxidermied animal situated in a curio cabinet. Some of the chickens are presented in correct poses according to the requirements of poultry shows. While others have deviated from the set standards displaying their natural tendency to ‘misbehave’ and/or react to unconventional backgrounds or the presence of inanimate objects.

Some of the chickens are presented in correct poses according to the requirements of poultry shows. While others have deviated from the set standards displaying their natural tendency to ‘misbehave’ and/or react to unconventional backgrounds or the presence of inanimate objects.

Originally bred from “red junglefowl” (Gallus gallus) indigenous to South East Asia, domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were carried around the world on the tide of human migration. Easily transported and looked after, they have provided convenient sources of meat, eggs, feathers and plumage over some 7,400 years.

Through selective breeding, humans have modified the species in shape, size and colour for the purposes of food production, fighting and display. They also came to be used for spiritual, divination and ceremonial purposes attaining both practical and symbolic roles across cultures.

Et in Arcadia T: We bought this place shortly after I was forced to retire ten years ago. There was a lot to be done to get it the way we wanted it, but it gave me a new focus and I came over here to work on it whilst Sue carried on working. S: Once I had retired, we were able to come over here whenever we wanted. We love the quiet and simple lifestyle that living in rural France offers compared to being in a busy UK city.

Et in Arcadia. When critically ill, I moved to be near my mum in France. Now, with two of my ‘babies’ I'm building a new life in the countryside.

Et in Arcadia. We moved to France for a better life; in every respect this has been achieved.

Et in Arcadia. We love the pace of life and the gentle countryside and its seasonal weather. We find that the people in our locality are welcoming, helpful and friendly. The health service is excellent.

Following the mediaeval pilgrimage routes in France and Spain, the photograph forms part of a series of images that focuses on the positioning of trees in the landscape. Based on the experience of walking in the countryside, they can act as landmarks to indicate passage or create barriers or obstacles. The images aim to present the viewer with unique viewpoints and a particular lines of sight. Subject to changing light and weather conditions, they can offer clear perceptions of the environment or can be disguised in partial obscurity.

Following the mediaeval pilgrimage routes in France and Spain, the photograph forms part of a series of images that focuses on the positioning of trees in the landscape. Based on the experience of walking in the countryside, they can act as landmarks to indicate passage or create barriers or obstacles. The images aim to present the viewer with unique viewpoints and a particular lines of sight. Subject to changing light and weather conditions, they can offer clear perceptions of the environment or can be disguised in partial obscurity.

Following the mediaeval pilgrimage routes in France and Spain, the photograph forms part of a series of images that focuses on the positioning of trees in the landscape. Based on the experience of walking in the countryside, they can act as landmarks to indicate passage or create barriers or obstacles. The images aim to present the viewer with unique viewpoints and a particular lines of sight. Subject to changing light and weather conditions, they can offer clear perceptions of the environment or can be disguised in partial obscurity.

Following the mediaeval pilgrimage routes in France and Spain, the photograph forms part of a series of images that focuses on the positioning of trees in the landscape. Based on the experience of walking in the countryside, they can act as landmarks to indicate passage or create barriers or obstacles. The images aim to present the viewer with unique viewpoints and a particular lines of sight. Subject to changing light and weather conditions, they can offer clear perceptions of the environment or can be disguised in partial obscurity.