Suffolk Libraries’ labrador sculptures make final group appearance at Food Museum in Stowmarket

From Disco Dog to Jurassic Bark, a series of 42 labrador sculptures have been brought together before heading to auction next week.

Suffolk Libraries launched its PAWS-itivity fundraising campaign to spread colour and creativity across the county with the Library Labradors designed by Suffolk artists.

After appearing in libraries, venues and other locations throughout the summer, the pack of sculptures have made their way to the Food Museum in Stowmarket for one final group appearance before going to auction at Trinity Park in Ipswich on Thursday, October 12.

The designs include an Ed Sheeran inspired dog, a puppy wearing an Ipswich Town shirt, dogs painted as leopards and zebras and the eye-catching Disco Dog.

Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We’d love everyone to come and take one last look at our Library Labradors before they find their new homes.

“The event offers people with a great opportunity to decide which one they’d like to bid for.

“Whether you’d like one of these unique dogs in your home, office or perhaps even to donate it back to a library or other community venue so everyone can enjoy it.

“A huge amount of effort and teamwork has gone into PAWS-itivity and we’re incredibly grateful to people across Suffolk who have supported us.

“It’s heartwarming that so many people and organisations hold our libraries in such high regard for their contribution to Suffolk life.

“We hope this campaign will raise a significant sum of money which will help our charity to do even more for local people.”

Other designs include Charles Doggens, a top hat-wearing pooch based on the works of Charles Dickens and designed by award-winning illustrator Sally Walker who lives in Sudbury.

Postage Pup was created by Lucy Kidd from Elmswell and her design incorporates part of a stamp collection inherited from her grandfather.

All of the Library Labradors are on display at the Food Museum from 10am to 4pm until Sunday, October 8.

The auction will be compered by Suffolk Libraries patron Gina Long MBE and Lesley Dolphin with Hayden Foster MRICS from Clarke & Simpson as the auctioneer for the evening.

To book a place at the auction, click here - or if you are unable to attend the auction, you can also bid online by clicking here.

Marie Taylor, events manager at the Food Museum, said: “We are delighted to host this exhibition and labradorables along to the Food Museum ahead of them all finding new homes at auction.

“Libraries are at the heart of communities, as are Museums such as ours.

“This is a great partnership that gives wide access to the artworks for all to enjoy and yet another reason to visit the Food Museum.

“Being a very dog friendly venue it seems the pawfect place to host this event and we are looking forward to welcoming customers, even our café is dog friendly so visitors can stop for a well-earned cake or lunch.”