An online auction is now accepting bids for 43 remarkable Cow sculptures currently found grazing in shopping centres and open spaces across Cambridge city centre.
With the Cows about Cambridge art trail due to finish on 4 September, the organisers at Wild in Art are inviting businesses, organisations, art collectors, families and individuals to give their favourite sculpture a forever home while also raising vital funds for Break - a charity working with children and young people on the edge of care, in care and leaving care.
“Many thousands of people have enjoyed the Cows about Cambridge sculpture trail this summer,” commented Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art. “Our beautiful bovines have inspired conversations about the environment, supported the arts sector and local businesses, celebrated the culture and heritage of Cambridge - and simply made people smile.
“It’s now time for us to generate a legacy for Break, a local charity, as we find permanent homes for these udderly unique and quite stunning pieces of art.”
Containing 43 lots, the auction catalogue is currently available for browsing at www.cowsaboutcambridge.co.uk/auction. The majority of lots showcase lifesize Cow sculptures decorated by regional and national artists. From sparkling Stardust, covered from head to hoof in glittering mosaic mirror tiles, to the beautiful Botanicow, which takes its inspiration from the iconic plants and collections found in Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, the lots will appeal to potential buyers for multiple reasons.
“We know from running similar events around the world that people sometimes just fall in love with a sculpture they have walked past every day,” explained Charlie. “At other times, a business may be excited about installing a particular Cow as a talking point in their foyer; an art collector may follow one of our award-winning artists and want to add to their collection; a not-for-profit may feel that one of the sculptures reflects their aims.
“The reasons are endless – but what they all have in common is that Break will benefit from every purchase made.”
Rachel Cowdry, CEO of Break, said: “The auction will raise vital funds for our services across Cambridgeshire, giving young people in care, on the edge of care or leaving care stability, a home and the life-long support they need to enjoy a bright and successful future.”
Only two mini moos, lots 15 and 32, are waiting to be snapped up within the auction because most of these smaller sculptures will return to the schools and community groups that created them.
The online auction will remain open for browsing and bids at www.cowsaboutcambridge.co.uk/auction until 23 September, when celebrity auctioneer Charles Hanson will bring the hammer down during a spectacular in-person event at the Graduate Cambridge Hotel.
All lots can be viewed in advance during a Farewell Weekend at The Grafton from 17-19 September. Cows about Cambridge has been brought to the city by Wild in Art in collaboration with Break, principal partner Cambridge BID and official travel partner Thameslink.
