Suffolk Libraries PAWSitivity campaign will see more than 40 colourful dog sculptures unveiled at this year’s Suffolk Show
More than 40 colourful dog sculptures that are part of a huge fundraising campaign will be officially unveiled at this year’s Suffolk Show.
The dogs are part of Suffolk Libraries biggest very fundraiser, PAWS-itivity, and feature unique designed created by local artists.
Dubbed the ‘Library Labradors’, it’s hoped these canines will spread colour and fun across Suffolk this summer, while helping raise money to support the charity’s vital work.
The dogs will make their first public appearance at the Suffolk Show, held in Trinity Park Ipswich on May 31 and June 1, where they will be on display for all to see in the Suffolk Libraries marquee at stand 462.
Visitors will have the opportunity to ‘raise pounds with hounds’ and vote for their favourite sculpture. In doing so they will enter a prize draw to win an overnight stay at their choice of Chestnut Pubs, with breakfast and dinner included.
The Suffolk Libraries marquee will also feature an events stage with a packed programme of events showcasing the vast range of activities and services available in libraries across Suffolk including Jumpstart fitness activities, Tot Rock for pre-school children and dog-themed crafts.
Guest appearances at the show will also include author and artist Marjoke Henrichs, who created the sculpture ‘Readador’ and Jason Alexander from Rubbish Walks who created ‘Pick of the Litter’ using materials he has found on litter picks.
Ziggy, a Pets as Therapy dog will also be listening to children that would like to read to her on the Thursday. Spadge Hopkins will also be in attendance who has created several of the designs including ‘Miro's Mutt’ and a steel sculpture that will remain in situ at Haverhill Library as a permanent legacy to the campaign.
Alex Downing, Suffolk Libraries Fundraising Manager, said: “We’re incredibly excited about unveiling our dogs at the Suffolk Show.
“They look fantastic and will bring some real colour to the show and to our libraries throughout the summer.
“We’ve got plenty of other activities on offer at our stand and just like our libraries, there’s something for everyone so we hope lots of visitors to the show will drop by and see us,” he added.
Throughout the summer holidays each of the libraries in Suffolk will host a sculpture for visitors to enjoy before the pack is auctioned by Clarke and Simpson at Trinity Park on October 12.
The main PAWS-itivity sponsors now include Suffolk Agricultural Association, Clarke & Simpson. SmartestEnergy, Clays Publishing, Larking Gowen, Wyards Removals, Adnams and Mark Bailey Photography.
The doggy designs include a number that have been individually sponsored by companies such as:
- Lois Cordelia’s Castle on the Dog features the entire Framlingham Castle sculpted on a dog’s back and Suffolk’s most famous musical megastar strumming his guitar on the dog’s paws.
- Yesterdog is a funky sculpture based on Suffolk Libraries Patron, Emma Freud's film Yesterday and is sponsored by Smart Garden Offices
- ‘Atticus’ designed by Sharon Teague and inspired by the Anthony Horowitz Magpie Murders novels and TV series Sponsored by Woodbridge School which features in the Magpie Murders story.
- Megan Johnson’s Jurassic Bark, a Labrador dressed as a dinosaur - sponsored by Doodle Dales - the Pawsitive Pet People.
- Lily Hammond’s Zebrador, a tropically coloured zebra dog - Sponsored by Stokes Sauces.
- A number of children’s book illustrators are also involved with James Mayhew creating a Dog-eared Book Dog, Sally Walker has created Charles Doggens and Marjoke Henrichs’ Readador
Suffolk Libraries is also championing several organisations who have given their support for the campaign including Rubbish Walks, Aspire Black Suffolk, Inside Out Community, National Literacy Trust, Pets As Therapy, Suffolk Pride, Realise Futures, Rock Paper Scissors, and Suffolk Mind.
