Herd In The City’s 46 large elephant sculptures and 72 baby elephants have quietly taken to the streets of the Southend, Shoeburyness and Leigh.
The event, which the Echo is a proud media sponsor for, will be in place until Monday September 4.
The herd have been transported and placed with loving care in the city by Herd In The City’s Logistics Partner, Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics. The installation was captured on camera by videography partner Main Media.
They filmed the sculptures being placed under the cloak of darkness in their locations against the stunning backdrop of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Southend Pier, Marine Parade arcades and Old Leigh.
After the trail ends, the baby elephants will return to their community creators, while the large sculptures will be auctioned to raise money for Havens Hospices.
Artist MrASingh’s sculpture Creative Freedom will be wowing passersby for the Herd In The City art trail.
MrASingh created his design with sponsors Method IT and the striking elephant sculpture celebrates the beauty and creativity in all of us.
Its abstract design showcases different shades of blues, vibrant pinks with metallic gold, glitter, paint splatter and playful texture.
“The design is about celebrating creative freedom. I was thinking what would it look like if someone had complete creative freedom, what would they see?
“I spent a week in Southend painting the design and it was cool to be in the area and meet local artists.”
MrASingh wants people to get up close with his colourful design.
“It is important to me people get close up to it and touch the elephant. There’s some lovely texture there with the dried paint,” he said.
“This event makes art accessible to everyone and shows it does not exist only in a museum, it’s also a great chance to raise money for Havens Hospices.”
The Echo's very own sculture was designed by artist John Bulley.
John was halfway through painting the Herd in the City elephant when he had a heart attack – but refused to let that getin the way of his artwork.
The renowned artist, who painted the iconic Camden Lock Railway Bridge, which towers over the London market, received care at Basildon Hospital and is now, thankfully, recovering well.
He was set the task of designing the Echo elephant which he has named the “The Lost Golden Elephant” which will be by the Pier Hill Steps and Twenty-One.
“My idea for the elephant was curtailed somewhat,” said John.
“However, my heart attack is part of the story of the golden elephant design, and I am so grateful to Basildon Hospital and Southend NHS, and thank goddess for the NHS, if they did not exist, I would not be here now.”
John’s stunning design, The Lost Golden Elephant, is an eye-catching spectacle with stencilled Japanese script.
“I had planned to sculpt a tiny mouse and a crown for the elephant, but due to my recovery I was unable to do that," he said
“I have received so much help and support from people and I am so grateful to everyone, including my daughter Hattie.”
He is currently painting a mural for Herd in the City alongside artist Karl Sims.
Trail-goers can purchase a map from Havens Hospices charity shops and other venues, including the Pier Information Centre, The Forum, Leigh Library and Herd HQ at The Royals Shopping Centre. There is also a ‘Herd In The City’ app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
For further information about the trail, visit www.herdinthe.city or follow the herd at herdinthe.city on Instagram and @herdinthecity on Twitter and Facebook.
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