Oink Oink Collection

Explore our unique collection of pig-themed items, part of the National Trust-commissioned project, ‘A Letter to the Earth from Beatrix’ by the Japanese artist Hideyuki Sobue. The Lake District is renowned for its rich and diverse farming tradition. This series is Hideyuki's heartfelt tribute to Beatrix Potter, reflecting contemporary society through the Victorian-era tradition of anthropomorphising animals. Each item celebrates the legacy of Beatrix Potter, capturing the timeless charm of her ‘Little Book’ animal characters while delving into themes of culture, politics, ecology, gender, and art history. In this series, as you can see, pigs are clothed in patterns of natural enemies of the beast of prey. By turning the pattern of their natural predators into clothing designs, Hideyuki depicted them comically. However, these pigs are portrayed as male pigs. The gender definitions that did not exist during Beatrix Potter’s time have now become common, and gender issues are taking on new dimensions. Furthermore, pigs are essential for meat production. However, there are various challenging issues, such as overpopulation, overconsumption, and environmental impact. Thus, the melancholic portrait of the pig was born. Celebrate British wildlife and support environmental awareness with our exclusive collection, perfect for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and fans of Beatrix Potter. Discover the collection today and bring a piece of this enchanting series into your home.