The bird sculpture had disappeared from its original spot where it had faced a long white house across the estuary. I was puzzled and wondered what had happened to the metallic creation on a recent trip to Fowey for Christmas shopping.
‘Rook with a Book’, commemorates the town’s most celebrated writer Daphne du Maurier who lived at the property. Greatly inspired by Cornwall, she set several works of fiction in and around the county. And I can safely say, she is number one on my favourite authors’ list.
Through the streets, the air is infused with fudge-making aromas of sugar and butter. Bunting flutters between the museum, St Fimbarrus church and the shops, all crammed with Christmas wares and unusual gifts. Soon my friends and I were laden. Books, local preserves, ale and cider from the delicatessen and pottery from White Doll Arts, as well as silverware from Brocante.
Dark clouds swirled. We decided to abandon our plans for an amble to one of our usual haunts, Readymoney Cove. Only a short walk away, the sandy beach is tiny. Charming buildings and the coastal scenery along the way are breathtaking, but we weren’t wearing rainy day attire.
I’m so pleased we settled for lunch at the harbour with views of Polruan on the opposite headland, its colourful assortment of cottages stacked up a sheer hillside with the sea glinting all around.
“There it is!” I pointed as we approached. Delighted to see the enormous bird crouched over a volume entitled Birds, one of Daphne du Maurier’s most famous stories. Thrussells, father and son metal sculptors’ innovative art piece was reinstalled in a busier thoroughfare allowing more people to admire it.
It was a perfect end to the day.
Until next time,
Sue. X