St Elizabeth Hospice has expressed its disappointment after one of the 50 statues making up this summer’s Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 has been deliberately damaged by vandals.
The news comes a month on from the launch of the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 on 19th June, with the Hoot Hike seeing the community coming together to celebrate the start of art trail, exploring Ipswich, supporting the independent Suffolk charity and local businesses in the process.
However ‘Owl See You in My Dreams’, designed by Amy Bourbon and sponsored by Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns, which is located opposite H&M in Tavern Street in the town centre, was found with damage to the Hoot statue on Saturday 16th July.
Celia Joseph, community relationships fundraising manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “It is very disappointing to see ‘Owl See You in My Dreams’ has been damaged following the damage to ‘Nocturnowl’ last month.
“Currently, ‘Owl See You in My Dreams’ has been taken away to be repaired by local artist Loïs Cordelia and will be returned to the trail once more as soon as possible.
“It is sad a minority have decided to do this because we have been overwhelmed by the brilliant support and warm welcome the community has given the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 and look forward to enjoying the remainder of the trail with them this summer.”
If you have any information regarding this incident please contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number – 37/45276/22
St Elizabeth Hospice has created a ‘Big Hoot Repair Fund’ for supporters to donate to. This can be found by visiting: www.justgiving.com/campaign/bighootrepairfund
The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 is the third art trail brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, following the success of Pigs Gone Wild 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.
As part of the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, 50 ornately decorated owl sculptures, featuring a range of designs have made their nests throughout Ipswich. These will be available for everyone to view and enjoy between 19th June and 3rd September, as part of the biggest free art event in Suffolk which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town.
For more information about the Big Hoot 2022 go to thebighoot.co.uk.