This week well known Northumberland artist, Mary Ann Rogers, has unveiled her painted sheep as part of the “Go Herdwick” charity project. Mary Ann was asked by the H&H Group to paint the two sheep in themes using some of the designs for which she is renowned. One is named Harrison, the other Hetherington.
Harrison, features her famous hounds, as both hounds and Herdwicks are often seen in the Lakeland Fells, and Hetherington abounds in tulips, which are almost as colourful as the sheep, and synonymous with spring.
Combining art and the company’s support for community projects, Mary Ann’s beautifully painted sheep will be on display at Borderway until they depart to be part of the Calvert Trust trail.
Giving background to their support for this initiative Brian Richardson, Chief Executive of the H&H Group, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this special project with Mary Ann Rogers. From seeing the two sculptures from their blank original form to their now beautifully decorated forms, the transformation has indeed been great.
“As a company we are always striving to give something back to the local community here in the North West, and so were very happy to be a part of this project, that not only will transform part of the Lake District into an open air gallery, but is also in the process of raising vital funds for The Lake District Calvert Trust”
Mary Ann Rogers, Artist, commenting on her involvement in the project said: “I associate Cumbria with the strongly held passion for hounds – both hunting and trail, so one sheep has hounds bursting out of covert.
“The idea was to avoid too much detail and concentrated on the energy and movement, along with a background that works. The art trail will take place during Easter so the idea of the ‘Tulip Ewe’ was born. I am delighted to have been able to contribute to the Go Herdwick flock – and have enjoyed the opportunity to work on a 3 dimensional canvas, for the first time!”
The Harrison and Hetherington sheep will be on show at various H&H locations during the coming weeks before joining the remaining flock at Easter for the Herdwick Trail as part of the project.
Companies from across the area are sponsoring blank life size Herdwick ewe sculptures, each to be decorated by a different local artist. The ewes will then take their place at Easter across Rydal, Grasmere, Ambleside, Keswick and Windermere creating the Herdwick art trail. The ewes will eventually be sold off at a charity auction in October of this year, with all funds raised over the project destined for the Lake District Calvert Trust.
The Money raised will help fund the £1.3m capital redevelopment of Old Windebrowe, a grade 2 listed farmhouse and tithe barn which is thought to date back to the 1550’s and was once used as a home by William Wordsworth. The redevelopment will deliver six specialised apartments suitable for stroke survivors and those with acquired brain injuries or physical impairments.
