Sponsored sculptures get city’s tails wagging

So far 15 dogs are confirmed to sit on the city’s streets, with more sponsors eager to sign up in talks with The Martlets.

Those backing the campaign tell The Argus why they got involved and reveal their early ideas for their dogs’ identities

Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina will host two dogs and possibly more.

In memory of David Bowie, who featured on an introduction to The Snowman, one may be called David Bow wow dog and another may be Snowdog Under The Sea and have a more nautical theme.

Land Securities, which owns part of the marina, got involved after seeing the success of a similar project in Norwich. A spokesman praised the “worthwhile creative cause”, adding: “We look forward to Snowdogs taking over the centre and this Brighton event being even bigger.”

Mackley engineers

The Mackley Mastiff could be the name for the Snowdog sponsored by Mackley, the firmengineer behind the i360.

Stewart Miles, the company’s finance manager, spotted the “brilliantly creative idea which will really capture people’s imagination” in The Argus and signed up.

David Knapp, of Henfield-based Mackley said: “We are confident that significant funds will be raised to support The Martlets’ vital work. Hopefully this fantastic spectacle will inspire many people to follow the trail.”

Brighton and Hove High School

Jennifer Smith, head teacher of Brighton and Hove High School, said the idea complements the creative focus at the school and Snowdogs would be made part of the curriculum.

Students will get to take part in a dog naming competition, The Martlets will be nominated as the school’s charity for next autumn and the sculpture would take pride of place by the historic building.

She said: “We are really excited to be part of the project. It reflects everything we value at Brighton and Hove High: being part of the city’s life and culture, taking artistic risks and, most importantly, supporting a fantastic cause in The Martlets Hospice by raising both funds and awareness.”

Donatello

Donatello has big ideas for its Italian-themed dog.

Sue Addis, the restaurant owner and another long-term Martlets supporter, thinks it might be fun to have spaghetti hanging out of the pooch’s mouth Lady and the Tramp-style.

She said: “It’s a fantastic project. I’ve seen similar ideas – like decorated cows – abroad and it’s brilliant. They are so colourful and it will be a great way to get to know more about Brighton and the charity.”

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier, the company which owns the Palace Pier, is busy thinking up sea-themed ideas for its dog.

Events and marketing manager Marc Thorley said: “A lot of people became interested in Snowdogs when the promotional shots around Brighton, and near the pier, emerged last year.

"Lots of businesses are getting involved and, being an iconic place in the city, we really wanted to be involved and it is great to raise awareness.

"We would like to incorporate the history of the pier in the design and its position will take the trail right out to sea.”

Moshimo

A touch of Japan will be brought to Brighton with a manga-themed pooch in the style of the country’s comic book and graphic novel designs, sponsored by Moshimo.

Karl Jones, owner of the Japanese restaurant, said: “I think the project is going to be really popular. Everyone is really interested and there has been so much commitment.

"There’s no reason why all the dogs couldn’t be sponsored. Smaller businesses in the same street could even club together for one.”

Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP

A Legal Beagle will stand for justice as part of the Snowdog trail.

Victoria King, of sponsor Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP, said: “This is such a novel idea and a great campaign to be involved with.

"The staff took part in a naming competition for our dog and the next step is working with an artist on the theme.”

Art Republic

Gallery Art Republic will be helping to match artists to some of the dogs and is debating a number of themes for its own sculpture.

Owner Lawrence Alkin said: “When The Martlets contacted me, I got very excited. It’s a charity we support all the time and a brilliant art project.

"We have several artists lined up already and this is a great way to raise awareness through art.”

Streamline Taxis

Streamline Taxis is sponsoring a dog to coincide with its 80th anniversary.

Vice-chairman John Streeter said the company was still discussing what the sculpture’s name, theme and would be, adding: “We do a lot of work with The Martlets and it’s a privilege to do so. We have researched this and know it will be a success. Anything that brings people to the city is a good thing.”

Fatboy Slim’s Big Beach Cafe

DJ Norman Cook – aka Fatboy Slim – cannot wait for his dog to take pride of place outside his Big Beach Café in Hove Lagoon.

He has plans to have the artists design the dog in situ so the public can watch them at work.

He said: “This will bridge the gap between a fun trail and the good work The Martlets do everyday. It will be great for the city to take part in.”

Peter James and Pan Macmillan

Author Peter James is sponsoring GRRRrace – a dog inspired by the star of his novels, detective superintendent Roy Grace – supported by Pan Macmillan. It is hoped it will sit near the Brighton Pier-sponsored dog.

Mr James’ mother was cared for at the hospice and died there in 1999. Since then he has pledged to support the charity and threw his support behind this project.

He said: “My mother was surrounded by love and laughter and really had fun at the hospice, the nurses were amazing to her. I think Snowdogs is a brilliant idea.”

Palace of Pooch

Ella Overington, of Palace of Pooch pet shop in Steyning, already has plenty of ideas for her model, with hopes for a regal pug by the Royal Pavilion.

She said: “We are a small business but being animal lovers and the fact this is local, for a good cause and about a dog it ticked all the boxes and we had to be involved.”

Learn more about the animal mad pet shop owner in her story by clicking here

The Argus

The Argus is The Martlets’ official media partner for Snowdogs by the Sea and is eagerly awaiting design ideas for its Newshound sculpture.

Argus editor Mike Gilson said: “This is immensely exciting for our city. The unprecedented success of similar projects elsewhere leaves me in no doubt Snowdogs by the Sea will be just as popular.

"As well as being great fun, this will – most importantly – support an extremely worthwhile cause.”

HOW IT WORKS

THE Martlets Hospice has joined forces with events company Wild in Art to host the Snowdogs by the Sea trail in Brighton and Hove. 

Wild in Art is known for putting together popular trails of uniquely decorated 3D sculptures of animals and other subjects across the world. 

Following in the footsteps of successful trails in Bristol, London, Birmingham and Norwich, some 50 uniquely designed 1.5 metre Snowdog sculptures will be on display throughout the streets and parks of the city for nine weeks from September to November. 

Each one will be sponsored by a business and an artist will be commissioned to design a theme. 

Visitors can take part in a walking trail around the city to find and photograph each of the Snowdogs. 

Puppy sculptures will also be painted by school children as part of an education programme planned to complement the event. 

At the end of the trail, all the Snowdogs will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice.

The Argus, as media partner and a major supporter, will report on every aspect, providing readers with all the latest news and information on the project.

GET INVOLVED

ORGANISERS are on the hunt for artists and sponsors to take part in the Snowdogs by the Sea trail. 

Businesses, groups, organisations and individuals are invited to sponsor a sculpture for £5,000. 

Local and national artists and celebrities will be chosen to decorate each of the Snowdogs and will partner with a sponsor. Each dog will be unique, with its own design, personality and story.

The Argus is particularly looking for an artist to come forward with inventive designs for its Newshound snowdog. 

Artists hoping to take part and those keen on sponsoring a Snowdog should call Sarah Harvey at The Martlets Hospice on 01273 718797 or by emailing sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk.