Botanical Gardens bear sculpture inspires new Sheffield art trail

For big and little bears will be popping up on streets everywhere.

After the success of the Herd of Sheffield elephant art sculpture trail in 2016 – inspired by World War One elephant Lizzie who was employed in the city’s steel industry after its horses were requisitioned by the military – The Children’s Hospital Charity is back again, with bears.

A spokesman for the charity, which supports Sheffield Children’s Hospital, said: “The theme for the bear trail comes from the charity’s bear mascot Theo and the well-known Sheffield bear sculpture located in the Botanical Garden’s bear pit.”

David Mayne, the designer of the Botanical Gardens’ bear sculpture, said: “It was a real surprise when the charity asked if the original design could be used.

“I never realised just how iconic and how well loved this sculpture would become.

“I have worked on numerous public art commissions throughout the country but this piece has always been my personal favourite and probably will be for the rest of my career.

“I found it fascinating visiting the company which has created the bears for the sculpture trail, recreating a smoother bear that can be painted, while most importantly retaining an essence of

the original, and I’m absolutely thrilled my sculpture could be the reason thousands of pounds are raised for the hospital.”

The campaign is raising funds to transform hospital’s cancer and leukaemia ward, which treats children and teenagers with cancer and blood disorders.

The bears have been produced by Simpson Patterns, of Coleford Road, Darnall.

Mark Rixham, managing director, said: “We are honoured to have been selected to work on this project alongside David to bring his bear to life.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the results of our work installed around Sheffield beautifully decorated by a number of talented artists.”

The first to decorate a bear will be local artist Jo Peel, whose work documents everyday scenes, telling stories over the world around her as she explores its changing face. Her work can be seen around Sheffield in the form of huge public murals.

Cheryl Davidson, the charity’s bears project manager, said: “We wanted to incorporate the personality of bears into everything we do for this trail.

“Although some might be named grizzly, bears are gentle and tolerant by nature – they can be empathetic, joyful, playful and social in character.”