An origami addict created a stunning set of paper sculptures during lockdown – including a giant pangolin, dragon and a Yoda.
The intricate designs were made by Alex Ray, who has been practising origami for 20 years.
But the talented hospital assistant from Bristol said lockdown provided him the time to create complex models he had been wanting to try for years.
The pangolin is made from a one metre piece of Kraft paper and took over a week to fold and has pride of place in his lounge.
Among the others now on display in his home are the giant Yoda, dinosaur skeletons made from hundreds of sheets of paper and a 10ft long cobra.
Mr Ray said he has created around 150 new models since March last year and had to throw out around 200 of the less complex models as he was running out of space.
His work has now been showcases online to widespread acclaim.
He said: “During the lockdown I’ve got a bit of recognition for the origami.
“I’ve made three times what I normally would and I’m running out of places to put them.
“Since I managed to do the pangolin I’ve gone on to do the more complex stuff, which can take weeks to make.
“It’s about taking origami away from that boring strange craft and doing more exciting things – not just cranes and fortune tellers.”
Alex, who works at Bristol Children’s Hospital, said he has found comfort in origami since the death of his father in November.
He added: “My dad passed away in November after a serious stroke.
“The origami got me through it really – most of the time it’s pretty therapeutic.
“I quite like the repetitive aspect of it, such as the scales of the pangolin.”
Alex said he began folding sheets of paper at the age of eight, nine or ten when his father taught him how to make a Samurai hat.
“I started teaching my friends at school how to make water bombs, mainly, and that’s when I got into it,” he said.
“I had to throw out about 200 of the older less complex models, because they fell out of shape.
“The rest – I’ve given a lot out to the children at the hospital and to the patients.”
Alex hopes to begin teaching origami more often in his hospital by running classes, once Covid restrictions eventually ease.
His creations can be seen via his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Alex-Ray-Origami-101112914872833/