Ralph Steadman has been named as one of the artists involved in the Shaun the Sheep Heart of Kent art trail next summer.

Work from the illustrator from Maidstone will feature alongside around 50 other designed sculptures which will be displayed across town bringing colour to parks, river paths, and other areas.

Endorsed by the Heart of Kent Hospice charity, the public trail is the second one the charity has produced as in 2021 when a number of individually sculpted Elmer elephant sculptures, from David McKee’s children’s books, were placed in and around Maidstone giving people a chance to enjoy free art.

Now organisers are looking to build upon that previous success, this time with sculptures of the classic Aardman Studios’ character.

Ralph has previously helped the charity, having always been a strong supporter of its work, providing a statue for the Elmer trail called Elly-do, Elly-don’t, Elly-dance which initially raised £15,500.

In celebration of ‘International Day of Charity’ and in support of Heart of Kent Hospice, the artist, Ralph Steadman, who lives in Maidstone, auctioned off a hand-coloured screen-print in a 12-hour auction which raised £2,050 for the Hospice. The winning bidder was from California in America.

Now Ralph will be helping out again by providing another original piece, this time based on a sculpture of the popular Wallace and Gromit character.

The artist made a name for himself creating social and political caricatures, cartoons, and picture books and even attracted a following across the pond when partnering with American journalist Hunter S. Thompson.

He has also illustrated editions of Alice in Wonderland, Animal Farm, and Fahrenheit 451 while also lending his skills to musical artists by designing album covers for The Who, Exodus, and Frank Zappa.

The Hospice has already signed up several sponsors for this event but there are still to others interested in getting involved with this project. To find out more and to register your interest contact Project Manager Erica Snow on 07596 856667.

It is working in partnership with WIA and Aardman with MBC as the presenting partner.