Witham artist's elephant sculpture for Southend art trail

Neil Fendell, from Witham, has revealed his completed Rock ’n’ Glow elephant sculpture ready for Herd in the City, set to take place across south Essex next year.

The public art trail created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art will see 45 large elephant sculptures placed around the streets of Southend, Shoebury and Leigh.

Each elephant will be sponsored by a business and decorated in varying styles by different artists.

Neil’s elephant was created after Havens Hospices asked Neil to decorate one of its promotional elephants following the success of his design Hare-y Biker from Hares About Town in 2021.

Rock ‘n’ Glow, decorated with acrylic pens and spray paints, depicts an evening scene of Southend's iconic seafront.

The Rock'n'Glow elephant (Picture: Main Media) (Image: Main Media)

Neil said: “Southend is very much about the lights, atmosphere and the evening vibe. That’s why I wanted to try and recreate it on the elephant, something that would really celebrate Southend becoming a city.

“Trying to capture that feeling of light and energy was very much what this design is about.”

At the end of the trail, the elephants will be sold at auction to raise thousands of pounds for the care Havens Hospices provides for adults, children and their families.

It follows the success of the charity’s ‘Hares About Town’ trail in 2021, which raised more than £447,000 for local hospice care.

It is the second time Neil has taken part, following last year’s trail.

He said: “It was an honour to be asked to participate in Herd In The City. I loved being a part of the Hares About Town trail, and Havens Hospices is such an important charity, supporting the community and Essex.

“I think art trails are the best art because they engage everybody. It's such a visible thing, and it’s not elitist - it’s for the public.

“It’s great to see people of all ages getting involved in the trail and taking photos - it really does make it accessible for all.”