Fundraising for city’s WWI horse memorial
Art Hambrook-based awardwinning artist and sculptor Trudy Redfern is hoping to raise around £100,000 for a bronze version of her muchadmired driftwood horse.
Trudy, who has been resident artist at Goodwood and Fontwell Park racecourses, spent 2018 creating a life-size horse made entirely of driftwood which she sourced from the south coast beaches.
The piece was widely praised when it made an appearance in Priory Park where it is hoped the bronze replica will soon stand as a permanent memorial to the thousands of horses which perished in the First World War.
“The wood wasn’t always easy to find. You could really only go after a storm and you had to snaffle it up quickly or else people would be putting it on their barbecues. But, as far as possible, I used the pieces as they were. I would be looking for pieces and think ‘Oh, that would make a good thigh bone!’ or ‘Oh, that would make a good ear!’ There are probably about
100 pieces in the sculpture. I wanted to put the minimum in to get the maximum strength. If you used lots of small pieces, you would end up with something looking like a bonfire! The fewer pieces the better, really, for the way it looks.”
The finished product was soon celebrated.
“The mayor and members of Chichester Council asked if my horse could take part in the Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11 in Priory Park, Chichester.
“It was only there for one day but, due to the overwhelming positive response to the horse from members of the public, it was decided that a bronze version of the sculpture would be a wonderful permanent asset in Priory Park. I have therefore decided to donate the bronze horse to the park with no financial benefit to myself.
“I would like it to be enjoyed by people for years to come and act as a permanent reminder of the debt we owe to those brave animals. I am looking for sponsorship to help towards the funding of the casting and erection of the bronze sculpture and I have been advised it will be in the region of £100,000.
“The sculpture would be unique, as there are many memorials to the brave men and women of World War One but very few of the horse alone and none in this area, which is rich in horse association. A bronze casting of a driftwood horse is a rarity and it would create a great deal of attention and publicity. It could also be an educational tool for children.”
Trudy is particularly keen to hear from potential sponsors. She says sponsors would potentially gain recognition for the sponsor’s company; have their logo and name on the storyboard on a permanent feature in the park; and generate free advertising. Trudy says she would be very happy to meet sponsors at any time.
You can donate to the cause on Trudy’s Justgiving page, www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/trudyredfern or wwwfacebook. com/trudy-redfern or you can contact her on trudyredfern@btconnect. com.