One of the sculptures from Martlets Hospice’s Shaun by the Sea art trail has been “ripped from its base” and left in the road near the Pepper Pot tower in Queen’s Park, Brighton.
Faye Bridgwater, the artist who designed the Shaun the Sheep sculpture ‘Bloom’, posted on her Instagram that she was aware of the incident.
She said: “Bit of a sad face here this morning. I have woken up to a message saying my Shaun the Sheep has been ripped from his base and placed in the middle of the road. Gutting.
“The police have placed him back on the plinth but he’s not secure. I just assume the people that do these things don’t know it’s for a charity raising much needed funds.”
Martlets said the sculpture has been removed for repairs, but it be back in the trail “very soon”.
Claire Kidd, head of fundraising for Martlets, said: “We’re so excited to have the Shauns hit the street and we are grateful to everyone who is enjoying visiting them and helping us keep them in tip top shape.
“Bloom has had to go away for a couple of repairs but will be back on the trail very soon. If you would like to help Bloom return – and keep Martlets caring – please consider a donation to our page Donate – Shaun by the Sea.”
Shaun by the Sea builds on the success of previous Martlets-run art trails Snowdogs and SnailSpace, which saw thousands visit the city to spot the sculptures. The trails help to connect people from across the community whilst raising money to enable local hospice Martlets to keep caring for people facing the toughest of times.
The 42 Shaun sculptures, book bench and 77 little Shauns will remain in place for eight weeks until November 5. The large sculptures will be auctioned off to raise funds for Martlets Hospice on Monday, November 27.
To donate to the charity, CLICK HERE