Rams rounded up ahead of city trail launch

The last of 30 ram sculptures which will form the Derby Ram Trail have returned to the ‘painting space’ at the Derbion shopping centre for their finishing touches.

Excitement is building for the free sculpture trail, which will see the sculptures located across the city centre.

Local artists have been working hard over the last two months to uniquely decorate each ram, each of which is sponsored by a local business.

A number of Bondholders have sponsored a ram, including Marketing Derby.

The night before the trail starts, all 30 rams will be herded outside and installed overnight.

The Derby Ram Trail will then decorate the city’s streets from 27 May to 22 August.

Each bespoke ram will be on display outside key city landmarks, such as the new Museum of Making, the Council House and Derby Cathedral.

A free app ‘Derby Ram Trail’, which will be downloadable from the App Store and Google Play, will allow all who wish to take part in Derby Ram Trail create their own bespoke trail around the city. A free map will also be available to help navigate the trail.

The Derby Ram Trail is being led by Derby Museums, in partnership with Wild in Art, a creative producer of spectacular free public art, which has been bringing accessible art to cities across the world.

Once Derby Ram Trail has finished in August, all 30 rams will be brought together again for the ‘Ram-union’, before they’re auctioned off on 9 September.

Money raised will go to Derby Museums’ Endowment Fund, helping to secure its future. All funds raised through the trail will be doubled with match funding from the National Lottery Heritage Endowment Fund.

Tony Butler, executive director at Derby Museums, said: “The Ram Trail is all about making art publicly accessible, offering something truly unique to all who visit Derby this summer.

“Walking, cycling – or even jogging – around the Ram Trail will be a fantastic way to discover (and re-discover after lockdown) Derby in a way that’s never been seen before.

“Be ready for eye-catching colours, dramatic designs and magnificent murals, which sets the stage for a ‘Ramtastic’ summer.”

Charlie Langhorne, co-founder and managing director of Wild in Art, said: “The Derby Ram Trail will be the first of our spectacular sculpture trails to take place after lockdown, making it even more unique.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people back to Derby – and to see the city’s streets full of art, colour and excitement after what has been a really difficult year for many.”

To find out more about the Derby Ram Trail, please click here.