To a certain extent this Commentary is bound to be a sort of diary but I try to keep the majority of my life, which is not arty, separate from art-related activities and thoughts. In January, however, the two strands intersected and, for over two weeks I failed to spot the connection.

I was asked to ‘keep an eye’ on the National Trust’s flock of rare-breed sheep when it was moved for the winter from Orford Ness to Snape Warren, near where I live and on which I walk several times a week. The request had much more to do with my proximity to the Warren than my skills as a shepherd, though in fairness to myself I do have a good academic knowledge of ovine husbandry and have been involved in various ways with rare breeds since the 1960s. Anyway, I have two shepherd’s crooks, so I’ve got the gear ……; and I accepted the invitation, appointing myself as volunteer, assistant, part-time, temporary sous-shepherd.

       First nibbles in their new field. 

The flock arrives.

The art is in the next blog.