Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne

This summer, a flock of 45 super-sized Shaun the Sheep sculptures have been displayed across Newcastle’s streets, parks and public spaces. The citywide ‘Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne’ art trail by Wild in Art aims to increase public awareness about the care provided by St Oswald’s Hospice to local children and adults living with life-limiting conditions. Newcastle Cathedral is delighted to be one of the sponsors, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Please note: The final day to see all sculptures will now be Sunday 24 September, a few days earlier than advertised. This is to give the artists some extra time to get their Shaun the Sheep looking perfect for St Oswald’s Hospice’s Farewell Weekend and Grand Finale Auction.

About Sheep Ahoy!

The Cathedral’s chosen sculpture, ‘Sheep Ahoy!’, is by Cullercoats-based Joanne Wishart, a professional painter of more than 20 years, embracing colour, creativity, and lots of it! Her work is colourful, uplifting, and aims to capture a memory of a place or a moment of joy in a view.

Painted in tones of phthalo blue, Joanne’s design captures the essence of maritime adventures, evoking a sense of exploration and wanderlust at sea. ‘Sheep Ahoy!’ was selected to honour our historic dedication to St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The artist incorporated the iconic Lantern Tower, which acted as a guiding light for ships sailing up the River Tyne for hundreds of years.

This seafaring sheep is very happy to have dropped anchor and made the Cathedral its safe haven over summer!

See below a time-lapse video of ‘Sheep Ahoy!’ and a photo of the artist with the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle.

Outside the Cathedral in St Nicholas Square, our neighbouring business, NBS, has sponsored another sculpture. ‘Purple Reign’ has been created by David Maguire, a local artist who lives and works in Gateshead, and her violet fleece is accentuated with spots, stars and stripes and a hint of gold, acknowledging NBS’s 50th anniversary.

Following a fun-filled 10 weeks, ‘Sheep Ahoy!’ and his fellow super-sized Shauns will be auctioned off to raise funds for St Oswald’s Hospice. We wonder where he’ll sail off to next!

Little Shauns by Little Artists

Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne’s ‘Little Trail’ is the baa-rillant result of a region-wide learning programme between St Oswald’s Hospice and Northumbrian Water, which has engaged young people from nurseries, schools and youth groups from across the North East.

Over 20,000 young people spent their summer term experiencing the magic of visual arts and creativity while fundraising for St Oswald Hospice. Inspired by their school ethos, themes and values, the young people have created unique works of art that mean something to them and their community.

All of their individually designed and painted Shauns are displayed in ‘little flocks’ in indoor venues across Newcastle, and five of these have taken residence at Newcastle Cathedral:

• Terra (Terry) – Greenhead Primary School
• Caelus (Kai) – Henshaw Primary School
• Sherbert the Signing Sheep – Kids 1st Gosforth
• Wooly Wilfy – St Wilfrid’s R. C. Primary School
• We Are Family – St Michael’s Church of England Primary School

After the trail ends, the children will welcome their Shaun the Sheep back home for their school or group to treasure forever.

‘Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne’ TM Aardman Animations LTD 2022.