The sight of livestock will grace the centre of Spalding once again as new sculptures get their grand unveiling this Saturday (March 15).
The sheep and cattle sculptures in Sheep Market and New Road respectively are the latest parts of the MARK-IT trail to be unveiled at 11am.
It’s been led by the Spalding Civic Society with support from Transported Arts and South Holland District Council.
Graeme Mitcheson’s artwork will be unveiled by Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and the Deepings, who is a member of the civic society.
A spokesman for the project said: “Spalding’s history is intertwined with its weekly livestock markets, which once drew farmers and traders from across the region.
“The MARK-IT Trail brings this history to life with sculptures based on the iconic Lincolnshire Long Wool sheep and Lincoln Red cattle —breeds synonymous with the town’s agricultural identity.
“The sheep installation includes six white Cadeby Limestone figures, while the New Road cattle sculptures feature a bull and cow, each carved from red sandstone.
“Together, they weigh over 12 tonnes, making for an impressive sight.”
John Bland, Chair of Spalding Civic Society said: “I am delighted to see the first animals in this, the most ambitious element of the Society’s long-running project come to fruition.
“The sculptures are very special and will significantly add to what the town has to offer to attract people from outside the area to visit the town.”
“These sculptures represent a proud chapter of Spalding’s history,” said Nick Jones, Transported’s director.
“We hope the event will bring the community together and spark new interest in the town’s heritage.
“Graeme has created wonderful sculptures with impressive detail.”
The sculptor added: “It’s been a privilege to work on pieces that connect the past with the present.
“I can’t wait to see people’s reactions when the livestock return.”
An animal rights charity has requested a plaque goes near to the cattle structures being put up in Sheep Road and New Market.
PETA (which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has asked Spalding and District Civic Society to put the pictured plaque (right) alongside the sculptures that mark where the cattle used to be traded.
A spokesman for PETA said that the plaque would ‘commemorate the cows and sheep who were exploited at the town’s markets and slaughtered for their flesh’.
“Animals aren’t ‘stock’; they are thinking, feeling individuals with unique personalities – just like the residents of Spalding,” said the PETA vice president of corporate projects Dawn Carr.
“With the addition of a small plaque, Graeme Mitcheson’s beautiful sculptures could memorialise the countless animals who were forced through Spalding’s markets to feed our appetite for their flesh.”
The civic society has declined the offer.
“The sculptures are designed to recall the town’s rich agricultural heritage, including its historic livestock markets, which played a significant role in shaping the local economy and community,” said chair John Bland.
“While we recognise that perspectives on this history may differ, our aim is to recall the past while also encouraging the public to appreciate the beauty of these animals in their sculptural form thanks to the talents of the artist.
“We hope the sculptures prompt people to reflect on Spalding and district’s historic character and agricultural roots.”
