Whistles have been part of human history since our earliest attempts to create sound—first carved from bone or wood, later shaped from shells in ancient Egypt and used as primitive musical instruments. These early objects laid the foundation for many modern wind instruments and carry a quiet poetry of function and form.
During the Industrial Revolution, whistles evolved both technically and aesthetically. One of the most notable manufacturers of the era was James Dixon & Sons, founded in 1806 in Sheffield, England. Celebrated for their craftsmanship, the company produced everything from kitchenware and sporting trophies to powder flasks and shooting accessories. Among these refined objects were silver whistles—small, precise, and beautifully made.
Victorian era silver dog whistle found at the Antique Jewelry Company
Inspired by the elegance and unexpected charm of these objects, I began imagining them beyond their original purpose—not just as tools, but as jewelry. The idea of functional adornment fascinated me.
Although Victorian silver dog whistles were not originally designed as accessories, women of the era ingeniously incorporated them into their daily dress. Worn on chatelaines—decorative belt clasps with chains holding useful items such as keys, watches, scissors, and whistles—these objects became part of a wearable system where utility met ornament. This historical fusion became the foundation of my own interpretation.
Chatelaine, 1863 – 1885, probably England. Museum no. M.32:1 to 13-1969. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
To create the collection, I first immersed myself in the technical mechanics of whistle design. After numerous prototypes and refinements, I achieved a whistle that is both perfectly functional and unmistakably loud. Only then did the artistic process begin.
I chose eight animals as the starting point: cat, lion, bulldog, raven, deer, ram, horse, and owl. Each figure carries its own symbolism and story, revealed through the individual product descriptions.
Sculpting these miniature animal forms was the most demanding part of the journey. The entire collection took nearly six to seven months to complete—an exercise in patience, precision, and scale. And this is only the beginning. Future additions are already taking shape, including a chimpanzee, hare, pig, and giraffe.
I invite you to explore the whistle collection and discover the stories behind each animal—where sound, symbolism, and craftsmanship come together.
Explore the Whistle Collection and discover each animal’s story.
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