This is my first painting based on the Medieval manuscripts in the Parker Library at Corpus Christi, Cambridge.

I always did like the slightly wacky and when I saw it I knew this beast of burden would appear in my work. I can imagine the artist who illustrated this work around 1300, that is 700 years ago, listening to the tales of travellers from afar describing what they have seen.

A grey beast with a nose like a trumpet and big ears, tusks and enough strength to carry a house. Recognise the building on his back? That is the gatehouse of Kings College curved to look like a stronghold that crusaders could defend.