Fish as a work of art

AT least twice a week, I pass a fishmonger's shop as I walk through the old Cornish town of Falmouth, now officially listed as the best place to live in Britain.

Fittingly, for a port whose fortunes are so closely tied to the sea, and whose art college is the best in the land, he makes a real effort to create a window display with a touch of imagination and originality.

Hence, the casual passer-by (like me) who regards all fish as art forms, can stand gawping through his window at the colourful arrangement of sea bass, cod, gurnard, mackerel and Dover sole on show, not to mention a scattering of whelks, cockles, oysters and scallops.

Invariably, this piscatorial tableau is sufficiently wondrous to detain me for five minutes or more, its abundance of varying shapes, tints and textures melding into a satisfying whole.

Such a pity that, by the end of the day, the whole lot will be sold so that the poor old fishmonger has to rethink his display six days a week.

Anyway, here is my depiction of a man whose art is not always appreciated, and whose exhibitions are dismantled daily as he plies his trade.

Hope you like it.