Online Auction For Cambridge Cash Cows Opens

Bids open for 43 cow sculptures currently grazing in shopping centres and open spaces across Cambridge city centre.

With the Cows about Cambridge art trail due to finish on 4 September, the organisers at Wild in Art are inviting businesses, organisations, art collectors, families and individuals to give their favourite sculpture a forever home while also raising vital funds for Break - a charity working with children and young people on the edge of care, in care and leaving care.

“Many thousands of people have enjoyed the Cows about Cambridge sculpture trail this summer,” commented Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art. “Our beautiful bovines have inspired conversations about the environment, supported the arts sector and local businesses, celebrated the culture and heritage of Cambridge - and simply made people smile.

“It’s now time for us to generate a legacy for Break, a local charity, as we find permanent homes for these udderly unique and quite stunning pieces of art.”

Containing 43 lots, the auction catalogue is currently available for browsing at www.cowsaboutcambridge.co.uk/auction 

The majority of lots showcase lifesize Cow sculptures decorated by regional and national artists. From sparkling Stardust, covered from head to hoof in glittering mosaic mirror tiles, to the beautiful Botanicow, which takes its inspiration from the iconic plants and collections found in Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, the lots will appeal to potential buyers for multiple reasons.

“We know from running similar events around the world that people sometimes just fall in love with a sculpture they have walked past every day,” explained Charlie. “At other times, a business may be excited about installing a particular Cow as a talking point in their foyer; an art collector may follow one of our award-winning artists and want to add to their collection; a not-for-profit may feel that one of the sculptures reflects their aims.

“The reasons are endless – but what they all have in common is that Break will benefit from every purchase made.”

The online auction will remain open for browsing and bids until 23 September, when celebrity auctioneer Charles Hanson will bring the hammer down during a spectacular in-person event at the Graduate Cambridge Hotel.