This installation was commissioned for St James’s Market Pavilion – a permanent art space designed in 2016 by Studio Weave in London’s St James’s. It takes inspiration from Charles II’s exotic birdcage, which housed his collection of tropical birds during the 1600s in the heart of St James’s Park and which lent its name to London street Birdcage Walk.

The installation aimed to capture the wonder evoked in 17th century London at the sight of bright green Sulawesi hanging parrots, red and yellow lories and lorikeets and huge marauding cassowaries in the heart of the city. Its display of exotic paper birds was created by dn&co. in collaboration with Argentinian studio Guardabosques.

Each handcrafted bird displayed plumage and patterns inspired by the fashion houses and craftsmen of the area. Houndstooth, checks and polka dots were taken from the fabric patterns of brands such as John Smedley, Turnbull & Asser and Aquascutum. The exhibition featured a curated soundtrack of birdsong that brought the wild to the city.

View all the winning work from The Annual 2018 here.

Entrant: dn&co. Exhibition concept, design and copywriting: dn&co. Creative Direction: Patrick Eley. Design: Magnus Hearn. Words: Simon Yewdall. Account Direction: Sarah Trounce. Net bird design: Guardabosques. Paper construction: 2MZ.