Brighton: First look at Shaun the Sheep art trail sculptures

More than 40 statues of the much-loved children’s character will be scattered across Brighton and Hove from next weekend as part of an art trail to raise money for hospice charity Martlets.

The trail is the third of its kind in the city, following exhibitions with Snowdogs in 2016 and Snails in 2018.

In a first for the art trail, a special “roving Shaun” will be put on display in different locations across Brighton and Hove during the eight-week-long exhibition.

Regency Shaun will be on display at the Royal Pavilion (Image: Enter Gallery)

Joining the flock heading to the city next week is Regency Shaun, first unveiled in September last year when Shaun the Sheep was revealed as the star of this year’s exhibition.

Designed by Sarah Arnett, Regency Shaun is inspired by the eclectic style and opulence of the Royal Pavilion. The statue is sponsored by Brighton and Hove Museums and will feature inside the palace itself.

Sarah, whose artwork is inspired by her childhood in Zimbabwe, travels through India and life living in Brighton, has also designed another Shaun in the art trail, named Golden Fleece.

Gratitude will be located in Jubilee Library for the art trail (Image: Martlets)

A special Shaun, named Gratitude, is a book bench sponsored by Martlets and showcases the charity’s care in the community.

The sculpture, the only one that people are encouraged to sit on, is designed as a “celebration of the special people in our lives who are always in our hearts”.

Gratitude, which will be placed at the Jubilee Library, is designed by Emma Fish, a local contemporary jeweller and stained glass artist, and is dedicated to her mother.

Shaunette is inspired by the Brighton of the 1960s (Image: Martlets)

A psychedelic-inspired Shaun, named Shaunette, will be located in Marine Parade, opposite Marine Square.

Designed by book illustrator, painter and graphic designer Judith Berrill, Shaunette sports a mini-dress, knee-length boots and beehive hair and is inspired by the Brighton of the 1960s.

Tanya Hunt, director of income generation at Martlets, said: “The trail will cover the whole community Martlets serve, shining a light on the reach and impact of hospice care.

“All of the team at Martlets owe a huge debt of thanks to our sponsors, to the incredibly talented artists, to our partners and to all the hard-working staff and volunteers who have made the trail happen.

“All the money raised from Shaun by the Sea will enable Martlets to keep caring for people facing the toughest times.”

The individually designed sculptures will be displayed around Brighton and Hove’s streets, parks and other public areas from September 9 until November 5.

At the end of the exhibition, the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for Martlets.

Donations to Martlets during the art trail can be made at shaunbythesea.co.uk/donate.