'The Phantom rabbit of Thetford'
My entry to Black Shuck Festival for the The Bell Gallery
The theme of the exhibition is East Anglian Folklore.
I've recently been deeply inspired by folklore art, and this piece was a particularly meaningful one for me. It took time to plan and create, but I'm genuinely proud of how it came together. The legend of the Phantom Rabbit of Thetford really struck a chord with me; there was something haunting and enchanting about it that compelled me to illustrate it for my entry.
'The Phantom Rabbit' is a spectral creature said to haunt Thetford Warren Lodge and the surrounding warrens where rabbits were once farmed. Described as large, ghostly white, and with fiery red eyes, it’s considered an omen of death. Thetford Warren Lodge itself, a medieval building tied to the history of rabbit management, adds even more weight to the legend. The combination of place, history, and haunting symbolism made this tale especially powerful to interpret visually.
