Unleash the Black Bull of Clarence
The Black Bull of Clarence is the newest addition to
The Queen’s Beasts Collection. Find out more about the
majestic bull, its royal connections and how coin designer
Jody Clark has brought this rich history to life.
The Black Bull of Clarence
The Black Bull of Clarence
A symbol of power and might, the Black Bull of Clarence is associated with the rise of the House of York during the fifteenth century.
The bull first appeared on the Royal Arms in the 1560s in the reign of Elizabeth I, when she ordered the recoinage of all silver coins.
How do you approach creating your designs?
I start by hitting the internet and reading books to look at what has been done before and to gather reference imagery and inspiration. I think you can spend all day doing research, especially for a subject like heraldry, it’s never-ending.”
How do you approach creating your designs?
“I start by hitting the internet and reading books to look at what has been done before and to gather reference imagery and inspiration. I think you can spend all day doing research, especially for a subject like heraldry, it’s never-ending.”
What did you have to consider in your design for the Black Bull of Clarence?
“Two strong styles kept appearing in my research – the royal and heraldic, or the fantastical approach. I wanted my designs to be somewhere in the middle of the two really. Something that looked like a real beast rather than just a graphic heraldic image. It was important for me to keep a consistent appearance and character throughout the series.”
“For the bull, I continued that balance of realism and a stylised look. I wanted the bull to be strong and muscular, so I looked at lots of anatomical drawings, classical sculptures and the like for reference. I actually found rodeo images really helpful to capture the beast’s sense of power.”
