The winning bidder for Ed Sheer-Ham when the Pigs Gone Wild sculptures go to auction this month will find it has a special recent addition.
Ed Sheeran, the inspiration behind the larger-than-life pig, has said he will sign the model and write a personal dedication for whoever buys it.
The 40 pig sculptures used in the main Pigs Gone Wild trail around Ipswich this summer are being sold off to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice.
They go to auction on September 22 with hopes they will raise around £100,000.
Ed Sheer-Ham was designed by Norfolk artist Martin J Wall and sponsored by Suffolk County Council. Sheeran himself gave the pig his seal of approval, describing it as “awesome”.
Norman Lloyd, Pigs Gone Wild project manager, said: “We are hugely excited to announce that Ed will be signing the pig and writing a personal message for the highest bidder.
“I’m sure that everyone bidding for Ed Sheer-Ham will be a huge fan of the popstar and the promise of him signing the pig will hopefully encourage people to bid a bit more for the sought after sculpture.”
The hospice provides care and support for people living with a progressive illness such as heart failure, cancer, and motor neurone disease. It costs more than £9million a year to run.
Mr Lloyd added: “Each of the pigs is a unique, and beautiful piece of art, and there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of global music icons like Ed Sheer-Ham or Piggy Stardust; or characters from fiction or television like Boarba Fett, The Trotters Pig or Tally-Ho Trotters! There are also some striking and creative designs that showcase what is possible with large-scale three-dimensional art, such as Ipswich Blue, To Bee a Pig, Hedgepig and Hide and Seek.
“Any of the sculptures would be a fantastic addition for a garden or reception area and would certainly be a talking point for any visitors to your home or business!”
You can register your interest to attend the auction by midday on 13 September at www.pigsgonewild.co.uk/auction and pre-bid online any time before and on the day of the auction on 22 September.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here