17th August sees the start of a hunt for giant owl sculptures dotted around north London, along with smaller ones decorated by schools and community groups. All in aid of that wonderful charity, North London Hospice!
"Owlbert" and companion standing guard at Blue House Yard in Wood Green
Art lovers and adventurers of all ages will have a hoot this summer as 30 uniquely designed owls - each standing on a plinth at over 6ft tall - will be waiting to be discovered on a fun, free and easy-to-follow art trail. For eight weeks from 17th August, there will be something for everyone to enjoy as the giant decorated owl sculptures start appearing across north London. Organised by North London Hospice, the trail aims to raise awareness and funds for the vital charity.
Using an app to unlock rewards as you go, or following a paper map, residents and visitors will need to keep their eyes wide as they search for the sculptures, each painted by a different local artist. Tottenham and Arsenal football supporters will want to seek out their team themed owls while fans of TV personality Matt Lucas will love his colourful owl. There’s also a delightful design from children’s author Rob Biddulph - PG residents won't have too far to go to find it, at Alexandra Palace, which is also where Matt's bird will be perched.
The owls will be hidden in plain sight alongside more than 25 smaller owlets which will be hosted indoors. Designed by local schools and community groups from Barnet, Enfield and Haringey (including children from Hazelwood and St Monica's schools), the sculptures will celebrate the vibrancy, culture, and creativity that north London has to offer, highlighting iconic spots such as Ally Pally and the Spurs stadium as well as local hidden gems.
The first mass participation event of its kind in North London, the venture is being run in partnership with world-renowned creative producers Wild in Art.
Why owls?
North London Hospice picked owls because they are known for their wisdom and kindness and for passing on stories through generations and across cultures. Hospice staff, like owls, also work through the night supporting patients and healthcare professionals, providing free end-of-life care.
The adventure trail will help the charity to raise much-needed funds to meet its annual running costs of more than £16 million.
Grant Morgan, father of 22-year-old Jack Morgan, who was cared for at North London Hospice, has called on residents and visitors to London to support the Big Fun Art Adventure. Grant says, “Jack was diagnosed with an incredibly rare cancer and our family experienced the exceptional care and devotion of the hospice. Dr Jo Brady was a phenomenal support and shining light to us all during those very dark days, and for that, we shall be forever grateful. We will always remember the support the hospice provided. The team were there for us when we needed them.”
"The best of life, at the end of life, for everyone"
North London Hospice, with centres in Finchley and Winchmore Hill, cares for more than 3,500 people with a life-limiting illness every year and provides physical, emotional and spiritual care to patients and families, friends and carers. The NHS provides around a third of its running costs of more than £16 million a year, the remainder is paid for by donations from the community.
After eight weeks on their perches, there will be the chance to say a final goodbye at a special farewell event where all the owls come together before they are auctioned to raise money for the hospice. The owlets will be returned to their forever nests with their school or group.
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art said: “The owls will bring colour and creativity to north London, and I have no doubt that they will capture everyone’s imagination. The trail will be a great opportunity for people to discover the local area and experience some truly unique and inspiring artwork, while finding out more about the important work of North London Hospice.”
The hospice hopes that the Big Fun Art Adventure will bring people together in a memorable way, whilst helping to make a difference to those in need of end-of-life care.