The majesty of nature, immortalised in brass!



There is a tiny shop near our house which sells second-hand furniture. The choice, which spills out onto the pavement and is dutifully packed back into the building at the end of the day, ranges from MFI chests of drawers to Moroccan pierced wood screens of breathtaking beauty. Had you visited yesterday, however, you too could have been the proud owner of this magnificent four-foot high brass eagle.

I was seriously tempted, but then realised he might feel a little claustrophobic in our London flat . It would surely be cruel to cage such a noble beast.