Oxen sculptures that have taken over Oxfordshire this summer have been sold at auction – raising over £150k for Sobell House Hospice.
The Wild in Art event “OxTrail” covered Oxford throughout July and August with 31 large and over 100 mini oxen.
The auction, led by BBC’s Bargain Hunt star Thomas Forrester, saw 47 of the herd sculptures sold to the highest bidder.
Along with pre-sales, the event, at Saïd Business School, raised more than £150,000 for the charity, which provides end-of-life care and support to adult patients and their loved ones.
Around 100 people went along to the fundraising auction, and 150 bidders joined in online.
Among the big bids were the BBC Radio Oxford’s ox, “Tony” created by Oxfordshire-based yarn-bomber Yarnsy, which sold for £2,800 and the “Moo-seum”, created by The Story Museum, consisting of six mini-mini oxen, the collection was sold for £1,300.
Oxfordshire residents Claire and Pete Redfern showed that generosity has no limits when it comes to supporting Sobell House and bought three large and two medium oxen at the auction. “We are all Connected”, “Dynamic FlOX”, “Manu”, “Roxy” and “Herbie” oxen all moved into their home and garden at the weekend.
Speaking at the auction, Claire Redfern said: “My dad had less than 8 weeks from diagnosis to passing away. His last day or two were spent in a hospice at home in Scotland. But it doesn’t matter where; the point still stands. A hospice gave my dad and my family some incredibly precious and peaceful time.
“When I look at my beautiful oxen, I am thinking of the precious gift of dignity and time Sobell House is giving to families in Oxfordshire.”
Read more: OxTrail auction date is set to raise funds for Sobell House Hospice
Richard and Catherine Jones purchased the “Oxslips and Cowslips” ox. Richard had a cycling accident in June and spent nearly four weeks in hospital. His wife Catherine made the OxTrail part of his recovery When he was discharged. They visited the trail most days, looking for new oxen and getting stronger.
Catherine said: “I am absolutely thrilled with Oxslips, he gives us a feeling of hope. The trail was so uplifting and has been an important part of Richard’s transformation. A little miracle in itself.”
Local historian Mark Davies purchased the Looking for Alice sculpture by Caroline Ritson for £3,000. The statue will be adopted by the Westgate shopping centre, which will allow him to graze on the roof terrace, looking towards Christ Church College, where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland.
Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said: “We are delighted that ‘Looking For Alice’ will be returning to Westgate Oxford permanently, and we’d like to thank the Lewis Carroll Society for their generous donation.
“Alice will be installed on our Roof Terrace, looking out to Christ Church College where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland, providing a lasting reminder of the way the city came together this summer for the Sobell House Hospice OxTrail. We hope guests will flock to see her in years to come.”
The trial artworks were decorated by local and international artists, including kOrky Paul and interior designer Annie Sloan. The smaller oxen were decorated by schools and community groups, such as The Scouts. Some of these oxen will remain in the community.
Speaking about the fundraising campaign for Sobell House Hospice, Beth Marsh, said: “It’s been a labour of love, and everyone has worked incredibly hard to create such an unforgettable event. OxTrail has been a wonderful moment not only for the hospice but for the whole community.
“It is lovely to know many of the oxen will remain in the community, as we aren’t quite ready to see them all go! We want to thank everyone involved and for the incredible donations and fundraising. The money raised will make a big difference to those who need it most.”
