The Magpie King

Ceramic sculpture depicting King Henry VIII as a magpie surrounded by all his plunder from Lincoln Cathedral.

Media: Clay, glaze

This ceramic sculpture reimagines King Henry VIII as a magpie, symbolising his notorious plundering of Lincoln Cathedral’s sacred treasures. It was created for the A Right Royal Heist exhibition at Lincoln Cathedral which took place from April to July 2025.

The Magpie King sits proudly on his throne surrounded by treasure chests full of precious objects. The bird, known for its affinity for collecting shiny objects, serves as a fitting metaphor for Henry’s voracious acquisition of wealth from the country’s cathedrals and monasteries. It captures the essence of the king’s assertion of his royal power, as he stripped churches of their gold, silver, precious stones, reliquaries, and opulent vestments which were later sold off to help fund wars and pay off debts.

The magpie, with its gleaming feathers, carries the weight of historical symbolism, highlighting the king’s need to grab wealth while undermining the sanctity of religious institutions.

The sculpture invites reflection on the complex relationship between power and the desecration of cultural and religious heritage.

Dimensions approximately:

22 x 12 x 12 cm, plus two treasure chests. Weight 3.1 kg