Dench and Blumenthal support OxTrail

DATE

July 29, 2024

OxTrail host Sobell House Hospice has collaborated with famous names to create a very special sculpture as part of the trail

The herd of more than 130 oxen have taken over Oxfordshire on the OxTrail and one of those attracting attention is Postb-ox.

The very special calf-sized sculpture features signatures and messages from celebrities, musicians, actors and authors.

The incredible art collection, made up of 31 large oxen sculptures and 107 mini oxen, has been unveiled. Each of the large oxen is uniquely decorated and place in key locations in the city, with the smaller oxen in mini herds throughout the county.

The large oxen have been designed by international and UK artists – including children’s illustrator Korky Paul and author David Melling. One of the community-lead mini-herd is causing quite a stir.

Decorated with the doodles, scribbling and signatures, the oxen are patterned in postcards from some of Oxfordshire’s famous residents and friends including notes from Dame Judi Dench, Heston Blumenthal, Mel Geidroyc, Peter Gabriel, Radiohead and Prue Leith.

Families can explore the city and spot the oxen in and around the county, following the trail using the app or map. For those hunting for Postb-ox, it can be found in the out-patients window at Sobell House Hospice on the site of the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.

Around 85 schools and community groups are taking part in OxTrail as part of the mini oxen sculptures too, which will be displayed libraries, hotels and community spaces.

And keep your eyes peeled for the ‘mini-mini oxen’ which can be found in the windows of the Oxford Story Museum, and other specially designed mini oxen including two from noted interior designer Annie Sloan CBE.

The OxTrail art will be on display until the end of August. On Friday 13th September the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for the hospice. Postb-ox will be up for auction too, along with a scrapbook containing all the original notes and drawings from the celebrities.

For more information on OxTrail head to https://oxtrail2024.co.uk/


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