Design of Bournville bull revealed as it gets set to join charity art trail
The design of a Bournville-inspired bull sculpture has been unveiled as it gets set to join over 100 other sculptures on show around Birmingham city centre from Wednesday (16 July).
Over 350 people helped inspire the design of the sculpture, which is painted in Arts and Craft patterns in a nod to the architecture of the oldest Bournville Village Trust estate, Bournville.
It includes illustrations of cherry blossom, daffodils, daisies, forget-me-nots, maple leaves, acorns, bumblebees, robins and butterflies. There’s even a nod to Bournville’s beginnings with images of cocoa pods.
To finish the Bull’s design, bells hang around its neck to celebrate the sound of the 48 bells of the Bournville Carillon, which sits above Bournville Village Primary School.
It will now join over 100 other bull sculptures on show in the city centre as part of the charity art trail, Bulls in the City.
India Wilson, Heritage Officer at Bournville Village Trust, said: “We took the Bournville bull sculpture on tour in spring to hear what people love about where they live.
“What was clear from everyone we spoke to was how much they enjoy the parks and open spaces in their neighbourhoods. And at nearly every workshop blossom was mentioned, which is why the Bournville bull is decorated in beautiful cherry blossom and other flowers and is called Blossom!
“We can’t wait to see the Bournville bull on display at the AC Hotel in the Mailbox as part of the Bulls in the City art trail, before it returns to Bournville later this year.”
Arthur Tsang, Director of Communities at Bournville Village Trust, said: “It’s a real honour to support Wild in Art’s latest art trail.
“Not only will it bring free art onto the streets for all to enjoy but it will also raise awareness of the important care our close neighbours at Birmingham Hospice in Selly Oak provide to the people of Birmingham and their loved ones.”
The Bulls in the City trail will continue Wild in Art’s mission to bring art out of galleries, with the individually decorated sculptures creating a free, family-friendly journey of discovery around the city.
At the end of the trail, large bull sculptures will be auctioned off to raise vital funds for Birmingham Hospice. It costs around £16 million to run Birmingham Hospice each year, 40% of which must be covered through fundraising activity.
Money raised through the trail will make sure more people get the vital care and support they need at the end of their life.
To find out more about the Bulls in the City art trail, which runs from 16 July to 14 September, please go to bullsinthecity.co.uk
