First glimpse of penguin sculpture designs revealed

A first glimpse of penguin sculptures set to be placed around Worcester as part of a public art trail have been revealed.

A total of 40 individual penguins and 40 chicks will line city streets from 22 July before being auctioned to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

The penguins have been designed by a number of artists, with the smaller chicks designed by schools and community groups.

Sara Matthews from St Richard's Hospice said a call for artists to submit designs for the project resulted into more than 340 submissions before 100 were picked for the shortlist.

The penguins are currently being decorated and stored in a "secret space" in Worcester.

Previous art trails involving elephants and giraffes have collectively raised more than £700,000 for the charity.

“We’ve had artists in the space painting sculptures and then we’ve had other artists based all over the country painting other ones,” Ms Matthews explained.

“Then our sculpture sponsors… they chose their favourite three, and then we curated 40 designs that will all be completely different to one another and hopefully to raise as much money at auction as possible for St Richard’s.”

Artist Amy Bourbon said she had taken part in the previous art trail and had wanted to be involved again.

“I absolutely love these trails as there’s absolutely no bad side to them," she told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

Meeting the many artists involved in the project was the “highlight” she added.

The Waddle of Worcester, external art trail will last for eight weeks until 15 September, before each of the large penguins goes to auction.

Artist Bex Whitling said she wanted to create "bold" and "abstract" designs for the project.

“I’ve never done a trails sculpture before and penguins are my favourite animals in the world," she said, adding that it was a "dream commission".

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