This was Terry's only piece in the 2002 catalogue but he was kept busy painting a large edition of 75. Personally, I would say that this was the year that Moorcroft lost the plot - an edition of 75 at a price of £935 was more than many collectors would tolerate as fair play, especially as there were so many other pieces offered in the same catalogue at prices between £500 and £1250. Terry spent the best part of a year painting this piece, which he says was mind numbing. He thought it would get easier the more he painted of the edition, but in fact it is such intricate pain-staking work that each piece was just as hard as the previous one.

Terry has painted many birds of prey and the Peregrine is always going to be a popular choice, as its famous vertical "stoop" means that it is regarded by many as the fastest living creature in the world. A bird guarding its nest is set against a background of mountains - a deliberate choice of Terry's as it reminded him of happy times with his family watching this species in the Lake District and Cornwall

The species has recovered from near extinction due to persecution and pesticide poisoning in the 1950's and 60's, thanks in part to dedicated watchers who have often provided round the clock protection during the breeding season. It nests in the high fells and crags of places like the Lake District and Wales, but increasingly on tall buildings in cities where the local pigeons provide a good living. In winter it often turns up for a few days at estuaries, lakes and marshes - anywhere that flocks of birds are found. The UK population is now thought to exceed 1250 pairs.

Anyone who didn't see this piece at a retailers would be surprised, as I was, to find a charming, full image of a Peregrine in flight on the reverse. Internally the vase was painted with a scene of chicks on a nest. These are not the most attractive of creatures - Terry felt at times that he was painting dinosaurs - but they did make a very suitable subject for an internal painting!

Terry has also produced an alternative version of "Peregrine" on the L769 ginger jar for a Moorcroft Open Day, but this time with two chicks perched on a cragside nest: