Oxfordshire’s oxen are set to go under the hammer on September 13th to raise funds for Sobell House Hospice
More than 130 oxen decorated the county with people discovering hidden ox designs across the area, but now it’s time to herd them up and auction them off.
The auction will be held online and in person at the Saïd Business School, Oxford on Friday, 13th September at 7.30pm. The sale will feature a stunning selection of life-sized ox sculptures and mini oxen, all available for online bidding.
The event will be hosted by celebrity auctioneer, Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester. Those looking to attend can check out the online auction via the digital catalogue and register their interest today.
Thomas said: “I simply can’t wait to wield my gavel like am American cowboy in the mid-west driving my herd to an ox-tounding sale at auction, raising such much needed and valuable funds for Sobell Hospice!”
Among those at auction is Children’s illustrator KorKy Paul with his “Winne and Wilbur” inspired ox, and international artist, Amanda Quellin’s design inspired by the stained glass found in Oxford’s architecture. Both with starting bids at £2,500.
The much talked about BBC Radio Oxford ox has also gone up for auction. This sculpture features hundreds of crocheted segments stitched together representing the ‘colourful and diverse’ communities of Oxfordshire. Starting the bids at £1,300, this special Ox is named ‘Tony’ after the artist Yarnsy’s Grandad, who was cared for at Sobell House.
And those looking for a celebrity treat, the trail’s scribed mini ‘Post-ox’ is also starting at £1,300 in the auction house. As part of the ‘moo-vement’, Postb-ox features doodles and signatures from over 20 famous faces – including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Prue Leith, Ben Shephard, Radiohead and Miriam Margoyles.
Director of Fundraising, Beth Marsh from Sobell House Hospice, said: “The auction provides a fantastic opportunity to own a unique piece of art while supporting the vital work we do at the hospice. We are very excited for the sale, it’s the perfect opportunity to purchase one of the moo-jestic ox sculptures and share in the legacy of OxTrail 2024.”
Those who wish to bid on oxen in September can purchase £50 tickets, they include drinks, canapés, and entry. Alternatively, bidders can register online, and place their offers ahead of the auction.
Beth added: “We give people the chance to live well in the time they have left and provide them with compassionate and dignified end of life care. Please place your bids and make an ox-tra big difference this September.”
For more information on OxTrail visit Home – OxTrail 2024
