ARTWORK designed by celebrated singer, actress and Pershore resident Toyah Willcox has been used to decorate a giraffe sculpture for the Worcester Stands Tall trail.
The prolific performer, whose career has spanned more than 40 years, themed her design around the idea of ‘making a wish’ – with the giraffe covered in stars, animals and children.
‘Touch the Wishing Stars’ has been brought to life on the eight foot, fibreglass sculpture by Malvern artist and illustrator Rachel Blackwell.
The decorated giraffe will now be displayed alongside 29 others through the streets and open spaces of Worcester for 10 weeks from July 9 to September 16.
Ms Willcox said: “As a child, making a wish whilst holding my parents’ hands was one of the most thrilling and special things in my life.
“I am thrilled Rachel Blackwell has brought my design to life and I truly hope everyone discovers their inner child whilst making a wish.”
“It’s very exciting to have been chosen to paint Toyah’s giraffe. It was really lovely to meet her and learn about her inspiration behind the design,” Rachel added.
Worcester Stands Tall is an event by Wild in Art – the company behind recent trails including Birmingham’s The Big Sleuth and Cardiff’s Snowdogs Tails in Wales – and is brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice.
Alongside the large sculptures will be a trail of 26 giraffe calves, decorated by schools and community groups, displayed through Worcester’s Crowngate Shopping Centre.
The large sculptures – including the one designed by Ms Willcox – will be auctioned in October to raise money for the hospice’s Build 2020 Appeal.
The appeal aims to raise the final £1.4million needed to build a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire.
Tricia Cavell, director of fund-raising at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We’re thrilled Toyah has designed a giraffe for Worcester Stands Tall.
“Her design is so lovely and meaningful – and has been brought to life beautifully by Rachel. We can’t wait to see it out on the trail this summer!”
The total cost for expanding and redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3million.
For more information about Build 2020 visit www.strichards.org.uk/build2020
Call 01905 763963 and ask for Sara Matthews, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.worcesterstandstall.co.uk for more information about Worcester Stands Tall.
