Safety Through Caution

'Safety Through Caution' was made, specifically, for exhibition in The Harley Gallery on the Welbeck Estate, Nottinghamshire. The brief was to produce a piece of work based on the myths surrounding the 5th Duke of Portland, a Victorian recluse who owned Welbeck Estate during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Having read 'The Underground Man' by Mick Jackson the character of the Fifth Duke (quiet, lonely, self-absorbed and withdrawn) seemed in keeping with the family motto 'Cavendo Tutus' (safety through caution) yet at odds with his grandiose name and titles (His Grace William John Cavendish Scott-Bentinck, fifth Duke of Portland, Marquis of Tichfield, Earl of Portland, Viscount Woodstock, Baron of Cirencester, and co-heir to the Barony of Ogle, of Welbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire; Fullarton House, Aryshire; Langwell, Caithness; Bothal Castle, Northumberland, and Harcourt House, Cavendish Square, London). Taking the family crest as inspiration I have woven The Duke's name and titles to resemble the Cavendish Family coiled snake insignia (used in the Welbeck Abbey gates) with the family motto at the base. woven wire, perspex