As you drive or walk past Witney Library in Welch Way, look out for the colourful mini oxen who will be grazing to attract attention from the 29 June. Not only have the designers used their creative talents to the full, but each of the mini herd has been given names. The Library’s mini herd will have a companion, Osmond, residing at the Sobell House Hospice Witney Warehouse in Avenue One, Witney. Osmond has been designed by one of the residents at Richmond Villages in Witney, the other oxen have been carefully created by pupils from West Witney Primary (Walter), Clanfield CR Primary (Flourish) and Ducklington C of E Primary (MrOX).
Last July, Sobell House Hospice teamed up with Wild in Art, who have created public art events internationally, to launch one of the charity’s most ambitious fundraising events ever with the aim of raising over a quarter of a million pounds. On 6 July 2024, we will see the launch of the ‘OxTrail’ when 31 life-sized ox sculptures will be herded into positions throughout Oxford, creating an engaging event for the city – its residents, businesses and visitors. Each giant oxen will be decorated by local and international artists in their own unique style before they are herded into place on a vibrant and family-friendly trail, celebrating the wonderful City of Oxford- its history, culture, places and people. There will also be 107 smaller oxen across the county mainly decorated by schools and youth groups as part of the OxTrail Learning Programme. ‘OxTrail’ will be available for over eight weeks for adults and children to explore at Oxford’s iconic attractions; they will also be positioned in imaginative locations so visitors will have to search them out. The OxTrail is a new and exciting adventure in celebration of the City of Spires and the local community, which makes it special.
At the end of the eight weeks on 29 August, the oxen will all be herded together for a final time at Oxford’s Westgate Centre on the 7 and 8 September. They will then be auctioned online and in person at Saïd Business School on 13 September to go off to their forever homes and the funds raised will help to fund the life-enhancing care that Sobell House Hospice provides. Whether you have completed the trail or have not had a chance to meet all the oxen, the final weekend presents a unique opportunity to see them all at once and admire the incredible work that the participating OXTrail artists , schools and youth groups have put into their designs.
To follow what is happening and to add your support, visit sobellhouse.org/get-involved/oxtrail.
