28 November 2005

LIFE SIZED BRONZE BULL STATUE UNVEILED AT BUILTH WELLS

BUILTH Wells, the home of the Royal Welsh Show, has a new resident - a life-sized bronze statue of a Welsh Black bull.

The statue which weighs 1.5 tonnes was unveiled to coincide with the first day of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair today.

Based on local prize-winning bull, Caerynwch Tywysog 6 th , and created by local sculptor Gavin Fifield, the statue stands beside the River Wye close to the town's bridge. It was unveiled by Welsh Black Cattle Society President, Evan Tudor.

Caerynwch Tywysog 6 th , who is owned by Society vice chairman, Phillip Arrowsmith, Bwlch y Diarth, Doldowlod, Llandrindod Wells, was Bull of the Year in 1999, and both Bull and Animal of the Year in 2002.

The project took two years to come to fruition, following Gavin Fifield's initial idea for a town sculpture. The nature of the work was decided by local people and groups including the Builth Wells Improvement Group, Builth Wells Chamber of Trade and Builth & District Matters Ltd.

A new group the ‘Builth Wells Sculpture Trust' was formed to deal with find-raising and decision making. As part of the fund-raising exercise miniature limited edition bronze versions of the statue have been made and are available priced £350.

A classically trained sculptor, Mr Fifield mainly undertakes commissions and is a director of a bronze-casting company in Thailand - the exceptional generosity of which enabled the sculpture to be created at a very reasonable cost.

However, the venture has been tinged with sadness as during the final stages of making the bull the Boxing Day sumani hit the coast of Thailand . It killed two members of the foundry company who were on holiday in Phuket as were Mr Fifield and his family whom luckily survived.

“The statue is a most impressive work of art; being a true reflection of the breed – the character, stature and strength of the animal are clearly seen,” said Andrew James, Welsh Black Cattle Society Chief Executive.

“The Welsh Black Cattle have close links with the historical market town of Builth Wells. It is the scene of many a cattle drive and of course the WBCS has its pavilion on the Showground; so this statue links the past and the future.

“The WBCS are indebted to the statue's creator, Gavin Fifield, and also to the Builth Wells Sculpture Trust, the Mayor and Town Council for making this project possible.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

*Miniature bronze bulls are available from the following outlets:

The Derw Veterinary Surgery, Garth Road , Builth Wells

Tel: 01982 553271

Curio & Welsh Crafts, 24 High Street , Builth Wells

Tel: 01982 552253

Erwood Station Craft Centre & Gallery, near Erwood.

Tel: 01982 560674

Photos of the statue are available on request:

Tel: 07968 357474

For further information contact:

Andrew James, Chief Executive Welsh Black Cattle Society

Tel: 01982 551111

Distributed by:

Sheila Coleman

Coleman Roberts Communications

Tel: 01792 817532 / 07968 357474

sheila@colemanroberts.co.uk

www.colemanroberts.co.uk