 I enjoy remaking famous paintings in 3D and as I love Millais' Ophelia and the River Marden in Calne, I decided to combine the two. I had the idea three years ago, but not being able to find a shop mannequin with a head, I was almost ready to actually get in the river myself!
However, a few months ago I was in Bath and saw a shop window with shop mannequins with heads. I went in and asked if they had any unused or broken ones. This was treated as a perfectly normal request and I was given a body, complete with head, and two arms. I was so pleased to have one, at last, that it was not until I was outside the shop that I realised I had come into Bath by the 'Park and Ride' bus service and my car was a few miles away. Not to be put off, I boarded the bus with her under my arm and asked the bus-driver if I needed a ticket for my companion. As he was Polish, he seemed bewildered, and probably, his ideas of mad English women of a certain age were confirmed. I sat her on the seat next to me so that she could see out of the window, and a very jolly journey back to the car park was had by all. A kind gentleman helped me to settle her safely in my car and so I brought her home. I laid her on the bedroom floor, where my grand-daughter (Daisy, aged 3) was alarmed by this naked 'body'. I explained it was Nan's dolly, which appeared to appease her.
I knew that I needed a 'real' photographer, so Eddy Lane of Calne Woodlands Camera Club put me in touch with a member, Peter Muckle. I explained the project to him (ie. putting 'her' into the river for the photograph) and, to his credit, was very enthusiastic. Our first expedition, accompanied by his helpful, strong friend, John, was, at first sucessful, apart from naturally inquisitive walkers and, at one point, by a Staffordshire terrier, who, after taking a flying leap from the bank, appeared to want to be more than just friends with the helpless Ophelia. However, when we viewed the results, Ophelia was too small in the image, so off we went again, this time with Peter precariously perched on a ladder, in the water. Much quieter this time, apart from a lady walker who asked if we were practising life-saving!
We were all much happier with this result and after having the image enlarged and printed, I then proceeded to add my touches, artificial grasses, flowers etc. I was concerned not to spoil Peter's beautiful picture, so I was relieved when he approved. I think we may collaborate again in the future, this time on dry land.
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A British standard black cat from Battersea Dogs Home. Caught on camera surveying his domain in surrey. 
