Headthinker III thumbnail 1
Headthinker III thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Headthinker III

Ceramic Sculpture
2003 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Laura Ford (born 1961)
‘Headthinker III’
2003

Human-animal hybrids are frequently the subject
of Laura Ford’s sculptures. Here, the heaviness
of the ceramic donkey-head contrasts with the
apparent softness of the body, appearing to weigh
it down. The sleeping donkey-child appears as
something encountered in a dream, yet also
suggests the burden of expectation placed
upon children.

Made in London
Glazed stoneware, steel, plaster and clothing
Museum no. C.22:1 to 3-2008
Acquired through the generosity of Gerard and Sarah Griffin


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Sculpture
  • Sculpture
  • Sculpture
TitleHeadthinker III (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Brief description
'Headthinker III', ceramic and mixed media sculpture and plinth, Laura Ford, London, 2003
Physical description
Headthinker III is a human-animal hybrid sculpture with a ceramic glazed donkey head attached to a material childs body. The body is kneeling down with the head resting on a plinth. The head is glazed with different browns, while the body wears grey jumper, trousers and shoes, similar to a childs school uniform.
Gallery label
Laura Ford (born 1961) ‘Headthinker III’ 2003 Human-animal hybrids are frequently the subject of Laura Ford’s sculptures. Here, the heaviness of the ceramic donkey-head contrasts with the apparent softness of the body, appearing to weigh it down. The sleeping donkey-child appears as something encountered in a dream, yet also suggests the burden of expectation placed upon children. Made in London Glazed stoneware, steel, plaster and clothing Museum no. C.22:1 to 3-2008 Acquired through the generosity of Gerard and Sarah Griffin(2009)
Credit line
Acquired through the generosity of Gerard and Sarah Griffin
Summary
Laura Ford (born 1961)
‘Headthinker III’
2003

Human-animal hybrids are frequently the subject
of Laura Ford’s sculptures. Here, the heaviness
of the ceramic donkey-head contrasts with the
apparent softness of the body, appearing to weigh
it down. The sleeping donkey-child appears as
something encountered in a dream, yet also
suggests the burden of expectation placed
upon children.

Made in London
Glazed stoneware, steel, plaster and clothing
Museum no. C.22:1 to 3-2008
Acquired through the generosity of Gerard and Sarah Griffin
Collection
Accession number
C.22:1 to 3-2008

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
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