An individually handmade green and purple fused-glass whale-tail sculpture from my Whale Tales Collection - available in two coordinating sizes
Rich purple and fresh spring green move through both pieces, held together by deep charcoal detail. The colourway recalls the extraordinary purple blossom and vivid green foliage of jacaranda trees—an enduring and much-loved memory of my time in Australia.
Although created as part of the same colourway, the small and medium Jacaranda Whales are not identical scaled copies.
Each carries its own individually composed pattern.
The medium whale has a more intricate, balanced design, with strong central spirals and curved botanical forms following the outer edges of the flukes. The small whale is more freely drawn and painterly, with upward-moving charcoal forms rising through purple into fresh green.
They sit beautifully together as a coordinating pair while remaining distinct, one-of-a-kind pieces in their own right.
Choose either the small or medium whale from the size menu. Only one of each is available, and the photographs show the exact piece you will receive.
THE STORY BEHIND THE WHALE TALES COLLECTION
The Whale Tales Collection grew from my return to New Zealand and the enduring pull of the sea. The form holds memories of the waters surrounding Aotearoa, a friend’s delight at seeing a whale for the first time, and the sense of connection embodied in a piece of pounamu given to me by glass colleagues who had become whānau.
The flowing surface decoration draws on my own responses to pattern, movement and carved form. Each composition is developed individually to follow the shape of the tail, so the markings change from one whale to the next rather than being mechanically repeated.
Jacaranda Whale brings another place into that story. Its purple and spring-green colourway recalls the jacaranda trees I loved during my years in Australia, bringing together memories of land, sea and the different countries that have shaped my life and work.
DISPLAY AND CONSTRUCTION
Each whale tail is individually formed and kiln-fired before being shaped and finished by hand. It rests securely on a handmade clear-glass stand with a polished chrome fitting.
Place it near natural light to bring the translucent colours and surface pattern to life, or display it against a pale background where its sculptural outline can be clearly seen.
Approximate dimensions, including the stand:
Small: 17 cm wide × 12 cm high — £85
Medium: 22 cm wide × 16 cm high — £120
As each piece is individually handmade, the dimensions, colour distribution, pattern and markings differ between the two sizes. These variations are part of the character of the work and are not faults.
The glass tail separates from its stand for secure, compact delivery and requires careful reassembly on arrival.
Place the tail gently into the chrome fitting and hold it in the intended position while gradually tightening the screw. Tighten only until the glass is held securely—do not overtighten.
Some whale tails are shaped to lean back at a slight angle when correctly positioned. This is an intentional part of their sculptural form rather than a fault.
Once assembled, always lift and move the piece while supporting both the glass tail and its base. Never carry it by the glass alone.
Designed and handmade by Jan Simpson in her West Sussex studio.
This listing is for one Jacaranda Whale. Select either Small or Medium before adding it to your basket. One of each size is available.

Jacaranda — Green and Purple fused Whale Tail - Whale Tales Collection

Name: Jacaranda — Green and Purple fused Whale Tail - Whale Tales Collection
Brand: Jan Simpson Studio Glass t/a Koru Arts
Price: 85 GBP
Availability: InStock

£85.00

Size

Quantity

Each piece is individually handmade. Minor variations in colour, pattern, dimensions, texture and small bubbles or marks created during the glassmaking process are part of its individual character and are not faults.

Where a listing is for a one-of-a-kind piece, the customer will receive the exact item shown. Please be aware that transparent glass can appear different depending on the surrounding light, background and individual screen settings.
• For indoor decorative use only.

• Place the piece on a stable, level surface away from the edge of shelves, mantelpieces and windowsills.

• Always lift and move it by supporting the glass base. Do not lift it by the sail or chrome fitting.

• Clean gently using a soft duster or dry microfibre cloth.

• If necessary, apply a small amount of glass-cleaning polish to the cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the piece.

• Avoid saturating the chrome fitting, adhesive or bonded areas.

• Do not place in a dishwasher.

• Do not immerse or soak the piece or its handmade base in water.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or harsh chemicals.

• Protect the glass from knocks, falls, direct heat and sudden temperature changes.

• This is a fragile decorative glass object and is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of young children and pets, taking particular care with detachable components and chrome fittings
I hope you will be delighted with your glass. If you change your mind about a ready-made piece purchased online, please contact me through the website within 14 days of receiving your order.

The item must then be returned within a further 14 days, undamaged and in its original condition.

For change-of-mind returns, the buyer is responsible for all return postage costs and for packaging the glass securely. Please reuse the original packaging wherever possible. A tracked and appropriately insured delivery service is strongly recommended, as the buyer remains responsible for the item until it is safely received.

Once the returned piece has been received and inspected, the purchase price and original standard delivery charge will be refunded using the original payment method. Any additional amount paid for express or enhanced delivery will not be refunded.

I reserve the right to make an appropriate deduction if the item has been handled beyond what is reasonably necessary to examine it, or if its value has been reduced through damage, use or inadequate return packaging.

PERSONALISED AND CUSTOM-MADE PIECES

Pieces personalised or made to an individual customer’s specification cannot be cancelled or returned because of a change of mind.

This does not affect your statutory rights if an item is faulty, damaged on arrival or not as described.

FAULTS AND TRANSIT DAMAGE

Every order is carefully inspected and securely packed before dispatch.

If your order arrives damaged, faulty or incorrect, please contact me as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours, and retain the item and all packaging. Photographs of the glass, internal packaging and outer box will help me resolve transit damage quickly.

Please do not return a damaged or faulty item before contacting me. If a return is required because the item is faulty, damaged on arrival or not as described, I will cover reasonable return postage costs and provide the appropriate repair, replacement or refund in accordance with your statutory rights.

The request to report transit damage promptly helps with courier claims and does not affect your statutory rights.

Jacaranda — Green and Purple fused Whale Tail - Whale Tales Collection

HANDMADE CHARACTER

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

RETURNS AND CANCELLATIONS