Oil on canvas 2007

size: 50 x 70 cm

Portrait of notorious costumier and burlesque performer Olivia Barnard-Firth - The Wicked Lady - and her cockerel, Truffle www.thewickedlady.org.uk

Olivia and Truffle are dear friends of Emma's and Olivia created Emma's legendary wedding dress. Truffle was named by Emma when he was just a chick on the table sharing her Alpen one morning (because he looked like a little Thorntons truffle).

When this painting was first conceived, Truffle's father, Furnace was the head boy and he was to accompany Olivia in the portrait - but he was killed in battle with a fox before he could pose so his son replaced him in the pecking order and grew rapidly to fill his station and replaced him in the picture.

Two days after his part of the painting was completed, brave Truffle too died protecting his hens from the fox.

Exhibited:

2007/08 The Biscuit Factory, Autumn Show, Newcastle

2008 The Affordable Art Fair, London