Three Carlisle venues are taking part in the 2024 Sheep Art Trail, which spans the iconic Hadrian’s Wall.
The flock is being looked after and customised by community champions, businesses and organisations.
The 2024 Illuminated Sheep Art Trail will encourage locals and visitors to find their inner shepherd, exploring the Hadrian Wall Country’s rich landscape, heritage and culture to #FindTheFlock.
The project has been delivered by Queen’s Hall Arts, Hexham and Visit Hadrian’s Wall.
Carlisle Cathedral, Tullie and Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life have all adopted a sheep as part of this initiative and have each given their sheep an identity and integrated them into their organisation’s daily life.
Carlisle Cathedral has named their sheep Stella, in reference to their iconic starry ceiling. Stella was officially welcomed to the cathedral at the weekly toddler group, Little Stars.
Stella has been adorned with decorations made by the children and star-shaped lights.
The Revd Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden at the cathedral said: “We’re delighted to be involved with this Art Trail and it has been wonderful to see visitors engaging with the project and taking part in our creative activity station that has been set up within the cathedral.”
Sarah Forster, learning & engagement manager at Tullie, added: “Tullie is hosting Ewenice, who in her first week got stuck into the museum’s ongoing redevelopment work, donning hard hat and hi-vis alongside the buildings and technical team.
“Since then, she’s dressed as a Roman soldier and in future, plans to get acquainted with some of the ovine specimens from the natural science collection. You can find her in a shady corner of the garden until September 26 come and say hi.”
Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life are joined by Millie (middle name Terry), though you might have to look closely to spot her!
“Covered in camouflage, she blends right in with our military displays, making her a fun challenge for visitors of all ages to find…” the museum said.
After this, the Illuminated Sheep will shed their costumes, gather as a flock and appear as an artwork during October.
On their urban adventure, the flock will be bathed in a multi-coloured light display by artist Deepa Mann-Kler with a specially-commissioned soundtrack appearing at the Toffee Factory, Segedunum and Newcastle Cathedral.
Sheep are also at Bowness on Solway Community Group and Solway Primary School; Congabata Fort, Birdoswald Roman Fort, and in Gilsland.
