Swans

Artist | Martha Ellis

Martha Ellis' Swans are new work celebrating both creativity and the wonder of the natural world. 

“I’ve been making lanterns and light sculptures since I was five years old,” said Martha, who grew up attending the Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival in Yorkshire, learning her craft alongside her mother and sister.

“Lantern-making became a family tradition, and I’ve been creating them for festivals, schools and theatres ever since. Each swan begins with a hand-shaped steel and willow armature before layers of tissue, fabric and light are added to build up the body."

“They’re handmade from start to finish, the process is completely hands-on; I paint, wrap, wire and assemble everything myself.”

Sustainability sits at the heart of everything I build, with durable materials chosen for longevity and reusability and each piece designed so it can be repaired or re-lit rather than replaced. 

"They are made to last, just like the natural landscapes that inspire them." 

Martha Ellis