In a studio in Wiltshire there is a larger than life size ‘grumpy’ Aberdeen Angus bull emerging from a block of clay!
He is the creation of Judy Boyt the sculptor, more usually known for her equestrian bronze sculptures and the Famous silver Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials trophy.
This bull is eventually destined for the town of Morpeth in Northumbria, where he will grace the elevated position, above the entrance to the new retail Mall. Commissioned by Dransfield Properties Ltd of Sheffield, this new development has been built on the site of the old cattle market, where the ‘black bulls’ were brought from the borders of Scotland and local area of Morpeth to be sold.
He is eyeing you in a typical manner of ‘don’t mess with me!’
Judy comments,
‘ I have had great fun trying to get close to these huge beasts and that is the typical look I get whenever I approached them , sketch book in hand !! I usually like to have a hand’s on approach to learning about the structure and shape of the animal’s muscles and bones – but the bulls were not always compliant, as you might imagine. I was advised to stay in the car while studying a bull at Bob Brickell’s farm in Oxfordshire. This particular bull did not want to be a model while his hareem was in the other field! But I got some great shots of him ‘stomping’ up and down the fence challenging us at every opportunity!’
Judy relishes a challenge, never approaching a job by halves, the full size stud bull weighs three quarter tonne in clay and has taken three months to complete up to this stage.
Judy comments on the bull’s anatomical accuracy,
‘Another source of research was at the Royal Welsh Show, where they were tied up and rather more calm – so the more intricate bits of their anatomy could be drawn and inspected!’
Now he has been checked out by an established Angus breeder, the bull is waiting for the mould maker to arrive next week.’
