A giant flock of sixty, decorated swan sculptures will be displayed in public locations in and around Wells

13th February 2012

http://www.wellspeople.co.uk/Wells-graced-foot-Swans/story-15215187-detail/story.html

A giant flock of sixty, decorated swan sculptures will be displayed in public locations in and around Wells from June to September this year in a free contemporary public art event to celebrate England’s smallest city and to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The fibreglass swan sculptures will be sponsored by local and regional businesses, organisations and community groups and transformed into stunning works of art by a team of talented artists and craftspeople.

After a summer on the streets being admired by thousands of residents and visitors to the city, the spectacular swan sculptures will be gathered together in one giant flock for swan fans to bid their final farewells before the ‘Swansong’ charity auction in early October. Net profits from the "Swans of Wells" event will be donated to local Wells charities.

The Mayor of Wells, Danny Unwin who has initiated the event said “Having seen the success of the Lions of Bath and the Gorillas in Bristol, it seemed a wonderful opportunity to put Wells on the map and enhance everyone’s experience of our historic city, offering new perspectives and memorable photographic moments for residents and visitors alike. We chose the swan because it is a beautiful creature and mirrors our real life resident swans which have been gracing the moat at The Bishop’s Palace for hundreds of years.”

Sarah Moore, Visitor Services Manager at The Bishop’s Palace added “We are incredibly excited to partner Swans of Wells 2012. Our world famous resident swans who have, since 1807, rung a bell alongside the Gatehouse when they want to be fed, will be getting a lot more attention this year. We’ve even built two new swan viewing platforms so everyone can enjoy watching them more easily as they go about ticking all the swans off on the map.”

Swans of Wells organiser, Megan Witty said “Wells is already known for its stunning cathedral and magnificent Bishop’s Palace and the 'Swans of Wells 2012' public art trail will encourage flocks of visitors from far and wide to explore the stunning, medieval city and surrounding Somerset countryside, making Britain's smallest city a must-see destination this summer.

We have been delighted with the response so far from artists and local businesses. Now that the first of the swans have been hatched and everyone can see how wonderful these magnificent blank sculptures are, we hope to hear from lots more West Country companies and artists who may like to sponsor or decorate a swan by contacting our event website at www.swansofwells.com”.

CONFIRMED SWAN SPONSORS

CHUBB BULLEID

ROCK HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE

WELLS FILM CENTRE

THE CROWN AT WELLS

WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

THE SWAN HOTEL

TINCKNELLS LTD

UNWINS FUNERALS

HARRIS & HARRIS SOLICITORS

PROBUSINESS

HIGOS INSURANCE