Colourful sheep sculptures set sail on Windermere
Published: 1st March 2016
Windermere’s historic ‘steamers’ are to play host to two unique art exhibits this summer as part of the colourful Go Herdwick public art trail of around 50 life-size sheep, which is raising money for the Calvert Trust.
Designed by local artist Karen Lester, Windermere Lake Cruises’ sheep will spend the summer sailing around England’s largest lake aboard the historic vessels MV Teal and MV Swan. Named Blue Ewe and 国色 (or Guo Se, which means ‘national beauty’) by the company’s followers on social media, each has its own distinct theme.
To celebrate the growing number of Chinese passengers who sail on Windermere each year, the first sheep - Guo Se – has been designed using a variety of distinctly Chinese symbols and the royal colours of red and gold.
For the second sheep, Blue Ewe, the artist has used image transfer techniques to cover the model in more traditional lake-related images and text including boats, jetties and buoys.
Karen Lester has been exhibiting and selling her work throughout Lancashire and Cumbria for a number of years, and has been involved in art events including C-Art and PrintFest.
She says, “I was thrilled when I was asked to be part of the Go Herdwick project. Windermere is a favourite spot – I work by it and sail on it, so I’m familiar with its nooks, crannies and moods. I’ve often seen the cruise boats gliding up and down the lake, sometimes at close quarters, so it’s exciting to think that my artwork will be on display on two of most historic vessels throughout the summer months.”
John Woodburn, Operations Director at Windermere Lake Cruises, says, “We’re proud to be bringing these unique pieces of art to England’s largest natural lake, particularly for such a good cause. As far as we know, Guo Se and Blue Ewe are the only sheep on the Go Herdwick trail that will literally be on the move throughout this special outdoor exhibition.”
The Calvert Trust are producing a special brochure and maps for the entire trail. The fully-decorated flock will be auctioned off later in the year. www.goherdwick.co.uk
