Willow tit, Long tailed tit, Crested tit
This series of birds was designed and made exclusively for the Conran Shop.
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During initial discussions, the idea of three related but different birds became appealing - they can form a set, or sit happily individually.
The willow tit, crested tit and long tailed tit are all made from the same three hardwoods (ash, sycamore and black walnut) and are all variations of the same basic profile. This keeps them together as a family, while the variations on the theme give them their individuality. Each bird is handmade and each piece of wood has its unique natural grain. They have an oil finish which is then buffed back to a soft sheen making them soft and tactile.
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For more information on this project, visit the Conran Shop's Journal pages.
Willow tit (Poecile montanus)
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Willow tits are resident across England, Wales and Southern Scotland, but sadly are one of the UK's most threatened native birds.
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Made from black walnut, sycamore and ash, the willow tit profile is the basis for the others in the series.
Long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
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Long tailed tits are found across the UK in woodland and gardens, and more easily identifiable due to their proportions.
Made in sycamore, ash and black walnut, this one is actually visiting from Scandinavia where these birds tend to have pure white heads.
Crested tit (Lophophanes cristatus)
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Crested tits tend to stick to the pine forests in Scotland, only occasionally venturing further south. Numbers increase in the winter as welcome visitors from Europe come for a few months.
Made in ash, sycamore and black walnut for the distinguished crest.
