Archive: the Derby Ram Trail took place from 27 May to 22 August 2021.
A flock of 30 colourful ram sculptures made their home in the city of Derby in 2021, marking the start of the much-anticipated Derby Ram Trail.
Using the famous symbol of Derby, The Derby Ram Trail was a city-wide free sculpture trail featuring 30 five-foot ram sculptures displayed outside key city landmarks, such as the new Museum of Making, which opened for the first time in May 2021, Derby Cathedral and The Council House.
The Derby Ram Trail ran from 27 May to 22 August 2021, organised by Derby Museums with Wild in Art and presenting partner Cathedral Quarter BID.
The sculptures were decorated by 28 artists and sponsored by local organisations and businesses. Their designs ranged from illustration to graffiti.
The photographs show a selection of the sculptures and the museum during the 2021 trail.
Tony Butler, Executive Director, Derby Museums says: “The Derby Ram Trail offers something unique to all who visit Derby this summer, and really celebrates the artistic talent we have in this region. Our partner Wild in Art has created trails all across the globe, in world cities such as Sydney and São Paulo, so I’m incredibly proud that this summer Derby will be home to a world-class sculpture trail too, and what better way to celebrate all things Derby than by seeing 30 huge rams in the most iconic parts of our city. Be ready for eye-catching colours, dramatic designs and magnificent murals, which sets the stage for a ‘Ramtastic’ summer.”
“I am really grateful to all of the local businesses who got behind this project and sponsored a ram, we couldn’t have done it without them. As well as celebrating creativity it also shows the resilience of Derby that we have all come together at this challenging time to put on a great show for residents and visitors alike to enjoy over the coming months.”
Charlie Langhorne, Co-founder and Managing Director of Wild in Art says: “Excitingly, the Derby Ram Trail is the first of our free sculpture trails to take place as the COVID-19 restrictions in the UK ease, making it even more special to us and all who visit between now and August. We can’t wait to see the city’s streets decorated with such colourful art forms that everyone can see, admire and enjoy.”
The 30 ram sculptures are based on the mythical Derby Ram from an 18th Century song, which, according to legend, was ten yards high with enormous horns and a huge flowing fleece. The song tells of people travelling from corners of the country to see the huge ram, something which Derby Museums and Wild in Art hope to echo this summer, in this modern-day trail.
After the trail, all 30 sculptures were auctioned in aid of Derby Museums’ Endowment Fund. According to the organiser’s partner, the auction raised £172,000, doubled to £344,000 with National Lottery Heritage Fund match funding.
For current exhibitions and events, visit Derby Museums.
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