Stephen's first design on the new lidded jar (SH4) featured a total of ten Puffins Fratercula arctica. This Prestige piece is painted internally as well as externally.

The Latin of the genus name translates as "Little Brother" because of a standing Puffin's resemblance to a cowled monk in black and white robes.

Their comical antics on land during the breeding season make this a very popular bird species. As they mainly breed on islands to the west and north of Britain many people don't get the chance to see them, but they are still able to appreciate them through wildlife films.

At about 10 inches tall, the Puffin has a characteristic heavy triangular bill with red, yellow and grey markings; the grey becomes blue in the breeding season. Its specially hinged beak - by means of the loose fold of orange lip - means that the upper and lower halves can lie parallel. This enables the bird to hold a row of up to ten fish lined up across the beak.

After spending the winter in the north Atlantic, where surprisingly little is known about their behaviour, they come ashore in Spring. They gather as a raft on the sea below the cliffs and come ashore together. They bred in old Rabbit or Manx Shearwater burrows or sometimes dig their own burrow or find shelter under a ledge. Only one egg is laid.

As ever Steve has superbly captured the summer habitat of the species and offers several fully painted birds in different poses. The challenge of designing a cliff top scene on a round surface is one that exercised his thoughts for some time. The lid posed further problems as any design on it might appear upside down when the piece is viewed from the back! After several abortive attempts Steve's final inspiration takes the cliff round and over the lid. So that, once the lid is aligned correctly with the base, the whole can be viewed as a complete scene from any angle. Brilliant!

Every intricate detail of each bird's beak and eye has been carefully added, even on the three birds on the inside - that takes some brush control! Each bird seems to have its own character and expression, which can only really be seen by holding the piece in the hand.

Not one to short-change his collectors, Steve has added the final touch to the piece by offering a full miniature scene on the underside of the lid. This is a painting in its own right.

In total, a wonderful piece of art that charms and delights the viewer even before the lid is raised. Then, when that is done, it truly takes your breath away.