Charity's public art trail roams into Rotherham
ONE of the UK’s biggest free public art trails has been unleashed – and is on the loose in Rotherham for the first time.
Celebrating 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Pride of Yorkshire sees 150 giant lion and lioness sculptures, alongside 150 cubs created by schools and community groups, appear across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham.
Pride of Yorkshire is helping raise £2.8m towards the transformation of Sheffield Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Department.
As we exclusively revealed last month, the trail of art sculptures have arrived at venues across the borough including Arc Cinema at Forge Island, Snail Yard and Minster Gardens in the town centre, Wentworth Woodhouse, Magna, Maltby Leisure Centre, Gulliver's Valley, and Clifton Park Museum.
Waverley-based artist Rob Coyne – known as Four Four Two – has designed the Miller lion and Millie lioness which was unveiled at Rotherham United's New York Stadium.
Speaking at the official launch in Weston Park Sheffield, Rob said: “The charity reached out to me back end of last year asking me if I'd be interested in submitting to the trail.
“Primarily all my content is football related and I have a big affinity with the local football scene in South Yorkshire so I was really pleased to be involved.
“My family and I moved out to Rotherham about 12 years ago so it's been lovely to get involved and see the reception of the lions.
“As a child I went to Sheffield Children's Hospital – just for the odd cut or bump or broken arm – and my children have also been under its care so it is lovely to be able to give something back.”
Following the launch event, printed and digital trail maps were released to help people head out and capture their own images and videos as Pride of Yorkshire officially roared into life.
John Armstrong, chief executive, Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We're excited to bring this trail to South Yorkshire and it's great to see these amazing sculptures in Rotherham.
“They are all raising money for our new A&E department so please do get out and explore and see these lions and lionesses which are beautifully decorated in Rotherham and we hope you enjoy our summer art trail.” ‘Clawde’ and ‘Pounce!’ will be on display outside the main entrance of Gulliver’s Valley through to September, when the Pride of Yorkshire campaign concludes.
Phil Bracegirdle, resort manager at Gulliver’s Valley, said: “We are honoured to host Clawde and Pounce!
“The Pride of Yorkshire Trail is such a worthwhile project and it’s great to be involved.
“We are sure our visiting families this summer will love meeting Clawde and Pounce! and support the campaign.”
Each sculpture is designed and painted by artists from Yorkshire and further afield, with sponsorship from supporting businesses and organisations.
Clawde is the creation of artist Craig Polson, while Pounce! has been designed by Jane Motta.