SA lion stalks grounds of English mansion

A SOUTH AFRICAN lion has arrived in the south of England to call a 15th century mansion home.

The 8m x 4.3m cat is not of the walking, stalking kind, but is rather a bronze sculpture created by South African artist Bruce Little. He was commissioned to create the lion for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the safari park that lies within the 15th century mansion, Longleat.

Longleat is the seat of the mar- quesses of Bath and a leading, early example of the Elizabethan prodigy house which is adjacent to the village of Horningsham.

Little has called his creation Dawn Patrol, a name he chose because he pictured the lion strolling through the African bush at sunrise.

The result is a massive sculpture which the foundry where it was cast said is the biggest artwork it has had a hand in.

Ironically, it all started with a sale in a curio shop of a miniature sculpture by wannabe artist Little. Five years after creating his first bronze replica of a dung beetle creating a “nuptial ball”, his talent and passion is crossing oceans for the world’s elite.

Working from a studio in Grahamstown, where he lives, 46-yearold Little is determined to become a household name here too.

“I want to focus more on the South African market. I have sold many works in the UK, with exhibitions in Cork Street, London. I want to now explore the local soul and keep the work in Africa, where it belongs.”

What makes the export of the Longleat Lion remarkable is that its creator has had no formal training in art.

“I have had no lessons. My gran was a great embroiderer and I have a cousin who is an artist, but I just felt like I could do it. I remember creating my first animal shape in plasticine with her.”

Later this year Little has two exhibitions planned for the UK and Ireland.