Spalding marks livestock heritage with new sculpture trail
© Graeme Mitcheson Spalding & District Civic Society is preparing to unveil seven stone sculptures of sheep and cattle, as part of an art trail honouring the town’s historic livestock market and its vital role in the UK’s food supply.
With planning permission approved, a group of six sheep, crafted from white Cadeby Limestone, and a black sheep made of Kilkenny Limestone, will be installed in the pedestrianised area known as Sheep Market in Spalding.
All seven sculptures are based on the Lincolnshire Long Wool breed, with local sculptor Graeme Mitcheson currently carving the artworks.
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Graeme is known for creating large-scale public art sculptures as well as important national memorials, including a 3m-tall mussel sculpture for Conwy Quay in North Wales.
© Graeme Mitcheson
In addition to the sheep, a bull and cow inspired by animals owned by Melton Mowbray-based Lincoln Red breeder Scott Thompson will be positioned 100mm above ground level on a plinth on the corner of New Road and Swan Street in Spalding town centre.
All of the sculptures will be strategically placed on streets historically used for animal sales, such as the Sheep Market for sheep, New Road for cattle, and Red Lion Street for pigs.
The sculptures will be unveiled in early spring this year, accompanied by a series of public engagement events across Spalding.
The Mark-It trail, which is supported by Transported Art and South Holland District Council, aims to highlight the significance of Spalding’s historic livestock markets while also boosting local tourism.
The Mark-It project has been funded by the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, Arts Council England, and significant private donations to the Society.