I was finally able to get out to explore recently, and for the Bank Holiday, I went to Derby to see the latest charity sculpture trail: Derby Ram Trail. The trail features thirty 5-foot painted rams around the streets of central Derby, and it kicked off at the end of May and will remain in place until the middle of August; shortly after, the ram sculptures will be auctioned off. The trail is a collaboration between Wild in Art, who organise these sculpture trails, and Derby Museums. The trail aims to help provide funding for the city's museums.
"Groovy Derby Ram" by Pea
I was pleased that the sculpture trail could be completed in the city centre without having to walk too far away (or drive) as lockdown has been tough on me and I've not been used to walking or wearing shoes (or exercise since I have worked all of the way through).
The ram trail rams appear to be inspired by the city's sculpture "The Derby Ram" by Michael Pegler, which is pictured above. It is made from millstone grit and is actually probably about twice as large as the painted sculptures. It appears to have been sited here in 1995, according to the carved information block in front of it.
Although I have seen all thirty of the rams on my visit, I have included a photograph of most of them for you to see below.
"Captain Stone" by Liam Sharp
This features a graphic novel character that was part of an exhibition at the museums in 2017.
"For those About to Rock" by Sue Hetfield
This sculpture represents Derby's music festivals with a feature on rock music. The denim jacket features symbols of badges important to Derby.
"Flamsteed's Ram" by Catherine J Bell
This ram represents Derbyshire's John Flamsteed, a 17th century astronomer who helped to map the stars for navigational purposes.
"Nurse Nightengale" by Elaine Lim-Newton
Florence Nightengale, the famous nurse, was from Derbyshire. It is dedicated to the staff and patients of the Derby hospital.
"Pride in Derby" by Marie Arroyo Lopez
"Play" by Lynn Hollingsworth and "Royal Ram" by Donna Newman
The "Royal Ram" represents Royal Crown Derby's selection of pottery using its rich colours and design.
"Bee Happy" by Phillippa and Rachael Corcutt
"Doodle Derby" by Carla Dee
This map focuses on Derby and all of the things that you can do there, including some historical notes about the city.
"Wooly Rammy (a ram in sheep's clothing)" by Rebecca Morledge
"Derby Industries" by Sarita Gnaniah
"Pirate Sheepmate" by Reilly Creative and "Secret R.A.M." by Jess Perrin
"Ram Gogh - Starry Night" by Donna Newman and "Joe's Rainbow" by Ella Annetts
Both inspired by painters (Van Gogh) and Joseph Wright, these two rams sit side-by-side. Joseph Wright was from Derby, and the museum has many of his paintings. One of them features a landscape with a rainbow.
"Football WOrd Cloud" by Melanie Hubbard
"Herding Together to RAMp Up Quality" by Pip Claffey
"Mondriram" by Tim Sutcliffe
"Ramtastic" by MrASingh
"Ramble" by Caroline Coates
"Ar'Baaa'retum" by Kathleen Smith
"The Orrery" by Stephanie Sian Coley
The orrery is the subject of one of the paintings of Joseph Wright, which showcases a lamp placed in a study in a darkened room to mimic the sun, and it is studied for movement and natural patterns.
"Memories Fade but Warmth Remains" by Lynne Hollingsworth
"Rameses" by Judith Berrill
The Egyptian inspired the sculpture because the museum is home to a couple of Egyptian mummies on display.
The ram trail will be on until the middle of August, so be quick as the time is flying.
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