Egyptian Collage

1971 'Requiem for a Dead Falcon', Plexiglass, wood and glass construction, mummified falcon and mixed media.

1971 Observer Color Supplement article, photograph of Penny and falcons in Soho attic, London

My romance with Peter Whitehead fostered a deep connection with the animal kingdom in the form of falcons and other feathered friends. I met Peter Whitehead as a film-maker and we went off to make movies together that never completed. I think we couldn't decide who was in charge… Peter got his first falcon when we moved to the country. When my falcon died, I created 'Requiem' as my tribute to him, Egyptian style. I used the knowledge of taxidermy I had acquired and performed the rites of passage. In the Observer article, I say that I realized my work was a coming to terms with death..