I used to live in Wiltshire, and a few years ago I was walking along the Kennet & Avon canal when I came across three sows in a muddy field by the canal path. They were so characterful – I decided to come back the following day to photograph them.

Mrs Pig is the result of that process. I made a series of sketches, and then I made a plastiline wax model – which I hope captures something of their character.

I have made her in acrylic (Mrs Pig I and III), and in copper (Mrs Pig II), and this version is made in mild steel - so she gets her colour from the natural rusting process.