Brave Sir Douglas

This is the story of The Brave Sir Douglas, my “not so children’s book” written and illustrated through handcrafted puppets, brought to life with clay, acrylic paint, and fabric clothing. Each scene is photographed and edited, creating a world where fairy-tale charm meets darker undertones.

Sir Douglas is a knight of great courage and loyalty, driven by a sense of honour and a love of adventure. He does what is right, no matter the cost. Yet behind the polished armour lies doubt, a shadow of insecurity that follows him on his quest.

In this tale, the fair maiden has been taken by a brutish ogre, hidden away in his lair. It falls to Sir Douglas, the bravest knight in the land, to face monsters, conquer his own fears, and fight for her freedom. Along the way, the looming presence of a dragon reminds him that the greatest battles are not always with claws and fire, but with the darkness within.

Costumes are tailored from fabric, with armour painted in worn metallic tones to echo a knight who has seen many battles. Subtle details, from clay-sculpted expressions to weathered textures, reveal both strength and vulnerability in equal measure.

Mixed media sculpture (clay, wire armature, fabric, acrylic, feather hair).