Sealed Bid Auction: The Tresco Merman

The exquisite raku-fired ceramic and glass sculpture retails at £1,000 but is being auctioned in aid of the gig club to help with the ongoing costs of maintaining the traditional wooden racing boats.

The sculpture stands 32cm tall and the base measures 32 x 39cm.

The sculpture is on display at Gallery Tresco, where you can also leave your sealed bid.

Alternatively, please call Gallery Tresco on +44 (0)1720 424925 or email the Gallery.

Bids must be submitted by Friday 30th September 2016.

Artist Mandy Long is a figurative sculptor who lives and works in Leeds. A school teacher originally from the West Country, it wasn’t until she moved north to Yorkshire that she was able to pursue her passion for working in clay.

Trained in ceramics at Harrogate College, where she came across her inspirational tutor David Oxley, Mandy has gone on to produce celebrated work that has graced galleries and exhibits nationwide.

Mandy said: "I grew up by the sea in Devon, so when Anna said she would like a piece for her gallery near the beach on Tresco, it really struck a chord with me. The sea still holds so many mysteries for us, and for me the fabled mer people are somewhat emblematic of that.

"My merman is created from the elements, from earth, fire and water, and even the glass he sits on can trace its origins to sand. The piece is made from clay which has been raku fired in an outdoor gas kiln and then plunged (carefully!) into a pit of sawdust. This gives the smoky crackled surface effect, but is also unpredictable, which adds to the excitement as a maker. The glass he sits on has been slumped in a kiln to create the rock-like form.

"I hope whoever buys the Merman will have as much pleasure from it as I had making it!"