Ipswich's striking Big Hoot owls were a visual attraction for the town during the summer of 2022 - but where are they now?
The trail raised more than £270,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice from the sale of the 50 ornate owls that brought thousands of visitors to Ipswich.
So what is it like to be the owner of one of these incredible pieces and more importantly, where have they put them?
Diana Spiers, whose husband received support St Elizabeth Hospice four years ago, now has The Owl and the Pussycat at her home.
She said: “The last year has been great as I get to see the Owl and the Pussycat every day from my dining room window looking at me.
“The hoot has a ginger cat design on it and also an owl and one day the cat was sitting in the garden near the sculpture while and owl was watching on from a neighbour’s tree – very fitting.”
The garden has proven a popular new home for many of the statues.
Richard Burrows, who bought the Owl-otments sculpture, said: “Our owl sits in a very central place in our garden, waiting to greet the guests, and so far I don’t think anyone has visited us without paying attention to the owl, and complimenting us on his welcome.
“He is a most welcome new member of our family. We will continue to support St Elizabeth Hospice, who looked after a special friend of ours in his final weeks, with care and love, which we all much appreciated."
And even members of the St Elizabeth Hospice team could not resist owning a piece of the trial.
Judi Newman, chief executive officer, has Dorothea in her garden, said: “At first, our three dogs were not at all sure about our Hoot but they have got used to her now. I had planned to put her near my veggie patch in the back garden, but when she was delivered, I realised that she was too beautiful to hide away so she is actually in the front garden.
“Sadly my mum died in 2022, just before the Big Hoot auction. She had been keen to support the Big Hoot and even joked whether she could buy one, even though she didn’t have a garden and lived in a small upstairs flat. So I bought it in memory of my mum, and Dorothea keeps a watchful eye on me through my kitchen window as I’m washing the dishes."
Some Ipswich businesses have added one of the many statues to their collection.
Georgina May, from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Owl Hands on Deck has been a delightful addition to our team, looking out across the gate to Fred. Olsen House and welcoming everyone who visits - alongside our Elmer’s Big Parade statue!
“Our wonderful Hoot has also been out on the road! Having taken a trip to the Excursions 2023 show with the wonderful members of our Sales Team, where he met hundreds of people and became an engaging and exciting talking point."
The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 was the third art trail brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, following the success of Pigs Gone Wild 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.
Celia Joseph, community relationships fundraising manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 was a fantastic success for both the town and St Elizabeth Hospice and the whole hospice team loved seeing the community’s reaction to the trail and the brilliant range of creative designs on our sculptures.
“That is why we wanted to share an update on where our Hoots are now calling home. We are hoping to have another art trail for 2025, so watch this space for more details."
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