General Woundwort & The Black Rabbit of Inlé
Inspired by Watership Down
Introduction
Few fictional characters have stayed with me quite like General Woundwort.
Powerful, fearless and utterly uncompromising, he's one of literature's greatest villains, yet also one of its most fascinating. Standing opposite him is the Black Rabbit of Inlé, not an enemy, but the quiet certainty that every rabbit must eventually meet.
This miniature brings those two iconic figures together beneath a twisted woodland arch, its shape reflecting the full moon that hangs above them, surrounded by the remains of those who came before.
Bringing the scene to life
The models began as digital sculpts inspired by the 1978 animated film before being extensively refined for 3D printing. Additional details were sculpted by hand using modelling putty before each piece was individually painted with acrylics and sealed with a protective clear varnish.
The winding arch is formed from natural bonsai roots, while the base combines hand-painted skulls, roots, grasses and wildflowers to create a woodland shrine that feels as though it has stood there for generations.
Every element was chosen to reinforce the contrast between two very different kinds of power.
More than a villain
Although General Woundwort is often remembered simply as a tyrant, I've always found him a far more tragic figure.
He believes strength alone can conquer the world around him. The Black Rabbit represents the opposite: the natural order that no amount of power can overcome.
That contrast inspired me to write my own short Watership Down tale, imagining a final meeting between the two beneath the same moon.
Read the story: Beneath the Same Moon
A short original tale inspired by the world of Watership Down.
Available as a hand-painted miniature
General Woundwort and the Black Rabbit are available as individually hand-painted display miniatures.
I'm also gradually adding more characters from the film, with Bigwig, Dandelion and others currently in development.
If there's a particular character or scene you'd love to see recreated, I'd be delighted to discuss a bespoke commission.
Bring a piece of Watership Down home
Hand-painted miniatures inspired by one of my favourite stories.
