• Two magpies with a nest of treasure
  • detail of a painting of two magpies with a nest full of treasure including a gold watch and a brooch of a hare
  • detail of a painting of a magpies nest with treasure including amber beads, a silver coin and a dinky toy mini
  • detail of painting of two magpies with treasure
  • artist Jane Tomlinson with her painting of two magpies with treasure
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Magpies' Treasure

Magpies' Treasure

£345.00
£345.00
Sale Sold out
Original/print/digital

Magpies' Treasure is a painting of two magpies on their nest surrounded by their collection of treasures. 

  • An original watercolour painting on 425gsm paper, size 435mm x 324mm
  • A3 signed poster prints - size 420mm x 297mm, the closest size to the actual painting - remember, P&P is included in the price
  • Greetings cards coming in mid April 2026

Magpies' Treasure is a painting about the value of things

Magpies’ Treasure explores what we value. It shows two birds in a nest surrounded by “precious” objects like gold and jewellery - things humans admire.

I’ve also added treasures I value more: natural remnants of life, such as amber, a snail operculum, and fossilised coral.

But for the magpies, the true treasure is their eggs; everything else is just trinkets.

Myth-buster!

It's NOT TRUE that magpies are attracted to shiny things. Studies show they’re cautious around unfamiliar objects. Their curiosity and intelligence may have inspired the myth, which still lives on in folklore… and in this painting.

Magpies and folklore

The European magpie (Pica pica) is a species of crow. I love all crows, but magpies have a special place in my heart with their handsome iridescent plumage and glossy, long tails.  

Two birds have been busy nesting in the trees opposite our house, and it's that pair that have inspired this painting. Folklore suggests that they are a bird of ill omen, but this is clearly nonsense. One magpie is always a joy, two is even better - especially when I can see them every day.

There are many fascinating collective nouns for magpies: tidings, mischief, charm, flock, gulp, murder,  tittering, conventicle, tribe or congregation. 

Mackenzie Crook's Detectorists and Small Prophets

Keen-eyed fans of screenwriter Mackenzie Crook (as I am) will enjoy spotting a number of objects from his work in my painting.

From 'Detectorists', I've chosen a toy car, a ringpull, a 1970s cycling proficiency badge and a Henry VI hammered silver groat. And from 'Small Prophets', a gold ring, a plain undecorated button, an amethyst, a brass key, and a pen nib. 

The magpie is a significant symbol in the BBC TV series "Detectorists" - of which I am a huge fan. At the end of episode 1, series 3, is this magical 4 minute sequence featuring a a reworking of the traditional Magpie Song by The Unthanks.

Other Magpie paintings

Magpies' Treasure isn't my first painting of these marvellous birds. Have a look at my other magpie-inspired works: 

Shipping and delivery

This website only takes orders from UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

If you are not in these countries and you would like to make a purchase, please get in touch with me directly.

US customers: Since tariffs were introduced, I can no longer ship PHYSICAL items to the US, due to the complexity and expense. However, I can email digital images to you for self-printing. If you'd like to do this, please contact me directly.

EU customers: Since Brexit, I can no longer ship PHYSICAL items to Europe, due to the complexity and expense. However, I can email digital images to you for self-printing. If you'd like to do this, please contact me directly.

Posting your order

Typically, orders for physical products placed after 12pm on Friday, and on Saturday or Sunday will not be posted until Monday at the earliest. I use Royal Mail to dispatch your order.

If you have ordered multiple items, I will try to post everything together. Occasionally, this is not possible, in which case they will be dispatched in separate packages.

Digital files will typically be transferred to customers within 24 hours via email using WeTransfer, the file transfer website.

Buying an original painting? Please choose the tracked option!

UNITED KINGDOM (incl. Channel Islands, Isle of Man)

  • UK Royal Mail second class – 3 to 5 working days (can be longer at busy times of year)
  • UK Royal Mail tracked next day special delivery – next day by 1pm

If you choose a tracked delivery, I will be notified with your Royal Mail tracking number when your parcel has been dispatched.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS

IMPORTANT! All international orders are shipped duties unpaid. Orders shipped outside of the UK may be subject to customs, taxes and duties. This cost is the responsibility of the customer and is payable on receipt of goods. Please check your local customs tax and duty costs as duties must be paid before the goods are released.

CANADA
Royal Mail International Tracked service (7-14 days)

AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
Royal Mail International Tracked service (7-14 days)

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