Blue Mussel Brooch 2025
Colonies of common blue mussels have been a crucial source of food for humans for thousands of years (prehistoric shell middens have frequently been found on archaeological sites that are reliably dated to be over 6000 years old). Young, fertilized larvae are at sea for between 3 and 6 months and it is thought they can detect existing successful colonies and attach themselves nearby. The byssal threads they manufacture to bond onto sea battered rock surfaces, are one of the strongest bio adhesives known to man.
Collectively mussels are said to be eco system engineers, in that they create reefs and stabilise erratic surfaces. As filter feeders, 25 litres of seawater pass through each individual mussel every day and so they play a vital role in estuaries by removing bacteria and toxins. They are both very effected by, and reflective of their environment. These brooches combine a circle of blue mussel shell paired with stylised depictions of their byssal threads.
From the Small Works of Great Scale series, some of which are available in our store