Solopress supports Herd In The City!

Herd In The City is the sculpture art trail taking over Southend-On-Sea this summer and we’re proud to support the fun by sponsoring the event with our own Solopress sculpture! 

Having already sponsored Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in central London, we’re happy to help with this spectacular trail that’s closer to home. 

For the next two months, starting on July 14th and ending on September 4th, you can join in the adventure over the holidays. 

What is Herd In The City? 

Herd In The City is the spectacular outdoor art trail where over 45 sculpted Elephants have been dotted around the city of Southend, with members of the herd being found in Southend, Shoeburyness and Leigh. 

This art trail, run by Wild In Art, is returning to the city following the success of the Hares About Town trail in 2021.  

Fun for all the family, this art trail is completely free to follow for the seven weeks it’s open and gives you the chance to become a tourist in your own city. 

Herd mentality 

Each elephant is sculpted by a local artist and sponsored by both local and national businesses. These giant elephants on the trail will be supported by a herd of mini elephants which have been designed by local schools and community groups. 

In partnership with Havens Hospices, you can use the trail map or app to help you locate any stray gentle giants around the city. 

Elephants aren’t known to be evolved to survive in the Southend climate, so why were they the chosen theme? 

Alongside Havens Hospices, staff and volunteers chose elephants because: 

• Elephant in the room 
• Elephants never forget 
• The elephant community 

Elephant in the room 

Supporting conversations around death, dying and bereavement. 

Elephants never forget 

The memory of a loved one lives on after they have died, with Havens Hospices helping to create those treasured memories. 

The elephant community  

The importance of family within herds, working together as a collective within their own community, and their caring and nurturing nature. 

Running with the herd 

All funds raised will go to the incredible Havens Hospices. This charity provides specialist care and support for people of all ages who are living with incurable conditions and their families.  

They work closely with health and social care professionals to ensure they provide the best care to families can get the most from life and make every day count! 

Their care is completely free of charge which is why art trails such as Herd In The City are so vital to their continued services. 

At the end of the trail, each elephant is auctioned off to raise further funds for Havens Hospices and find each member of the herd their forever home. 

Learning To Fly 

Solopress are proud to sponsor a statue which is named ‘Learning To Fly’, positioned under the bridge in Southend’s high street. 

Created by artist Peter Poole, we spoke to him to ask about his design process. 

Peter said: “I’m proud to return to this amazing art trail after previously creating one of the hare statues for the Hare About Town trail in 2021. 

“This is my twelfth sculpture I’ve created for art trails similar to this so I’m pleased to bring my style and experience back to Southend.” 

Each elephant’s design has been teased slowly, revealing sections of the design over time before the trail goes live in July.  

Peter added: “Learning To Fly was inspired by a World War Two fighter jet, in the style of an RAF pilot. I saw one particular photo through World War in colour and thought that this design would work well. I especially enjoyed drawing the RAF logo on its trunk. 

“It even has a flight manual behind it! I love writing a short story on the plaque that sits next to the design to give further explanation into my creation.” 

Sticking with the herd 

Are you taking on the challenge this summer? Be sure to take your photo with Learning To Fly and tag us in our socials, according to our T’s and C’s page, to be entered into our draw!