Sheffield Children's Hospital is gearing up for a spectacular celebration with the unveiling of its latest public art initiative: a trail of lion sculptures. This ambitious project, dubbed the 'Pride of Yorkshire', marks the hospital's 150th anniversary and is set to become South Yorkshire's largest public art event yet. The hospital is known for its previous animal sculpture trails, including the Herd of Sheffield and the Bears of Sheffield, which collectively raised over £1.5 million for the Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity. This time, the hospital is aiming to surpass its previous successes with a trail of 150 lions, lionesses, and cubs, with a fundraising target of £2.8 million. The sculptures will be displayed across the region next summer, following in the footsteps of their animal-themed predecessors. More than 400 artists applied to decorate the lions, lionesses, and cubs, and 60 have been commissioned to transform them into unique pieces of art. The line-up includes renowned artists such as Pete McKee, Peachzz (aka Megan Russell), and Kid Acne (aka Ed Bradbury). The project aims to showcase the hospital's pride in Yorkshire and celebrate the region's support for Sheffield Children's Hospital. In addition to the 150 lions and lionesses painted by artists, another 150 lion cubs will be designed and painted by schools and community groups, with the sculptures being displayed in Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster, not just Sheffield. This initiative promises to be a significant cultural event, blending art, community engagement, and fundraising for a worthy cause.
