2023

unique state multi-plate etching, paper twine, graphite on BFK 280gsm paper scrolls

33 x 53 x 5 cm

Thirty-two scrolls, 3cm in diameter x 15cm length, housed in an archival custom made solander box with silver foiled title text, 33x52.5x5cm (closed), 33x110x4.5cm (displayed open)

“A subject matter that I have returned to over many years is the thirty-two messenger pigeons who received the Dickin medal as a result of their services during WWII. Each scroll in my unique state artist book is an etching that represents each one of these award recipients. Countless lives were saved as a result of the messages they delivered. The Dickin medal is awarded to animals who serve in war and the pigeon recipients included two Australian birds that are taxidermied and reside at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra [whom I have viewed]. The remaining pigeons were from the UK and one the USA. Most were given a code name in addition to identification numbers. The two Australian birds are identified by code number only. Hand written in graphite on each scroll is their ID number and name. The internal ribbon reflects the colours of the Dickin Medal service ribbon” Lisa Sewards 2025

Australian Dickin medal pigeon recipients: (scrolls 31and 32) DD.43.T.139, DD.43.Q.879

UK Dickin medal pigeon recipients: (scrolls 1 to 5, 7 to 30) White Vision SURP.41.L.3089, Winkie NEHU.40.NS.1, Tyke (George) 1263 MEPS 43, Beach Comber NPS.41.NS.4230, Gustav NPS.42.31066, Paddy NPS.43.9451, Kenley Lass NURP.36.JH.190, Navy Blue NPS.41.NS.2862, Flying Dutchman NPS.42.NS.4480, Dutch Coast NURP.41.A.2164, Commando NURP.38.EGU.242, Royal Blue NURP.40.GVIS.453, Ruhr Express NPS.43.29018, William of Orange NPS.42.NS.15125, Scotch Lass NPS.42.21610, Billy NU.41.HQ.4373, Broad Arrow 41.BA.2793, NPS.42.NS.2780, NPS.42.NS.7524, Maquis NPSNS.42.36392, Mary NURP.40.WCE.249,Tommy NURP.41.DHZ56, All Alone NURP.39.SDS.39, Princess 42WD593, Mercury NURP.37.CEN.335, NURP.38.BPC.6, Duke of Normandy NURP.41.SBC.219, NURP.43.CC.1418, Cologne NURP39.NPS.144

USA Dickin medal pigeon recipient: (scroll 6) GI Joe USA43SC6390