A fleet of 96 artist-decorated Peter Rabbit sculptures is set to descend on Tyneside from July 15, marking the first public art trail centred on Beatrix Potter's beloved character. The trail, titled Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne, celebrates the 40th anniversary of St Oswald's Hospice and the 160th birthday of Potter herself. The sculptures will be displayed at iconic locations across Newcastle and North Tyneside until September 14, free for the public to enjoy.
Trail Highlights and Charity Auction
St Oswald's Hospice chief executive Steph Edusei said: "We will have, across Newcastle and North Tyneside, loads of Peter Rabbit sculptures beautifully decorated for the public to enjoy completely free of charge. It will take you to places in Newcastle and North Tyneside that perhaps you haven't seen before." The larger sculptures will be auctioned off in autumn to raise funds for the hospice, which requires ongoing financial support to operate annually. Edusei added that the 40th birthday is a "great chance" to reflect on the hospice's past and look forward to another 40 years serving the North East.
Locations and Interactive Features
The trail includes 53 large and 43 small sculptures, placed at landmarks such as Grey's Monument, St James' Park, and parks like Paddy Freeman's in High Heaton and Richardson Dees Park in Wallsend. Smaller "fluffles" of rabbits, many designed by schoolchildren, will appear at venues including the Biscuit Factory and Fenwick in Newcastle. A mobile app allows visitors to give each sculpture a "carrot rating," and a sticker collection is also available.
Community Impact
At a preview event, 10-year-old Lucy Davison, who has complex health needs and uses the hospice's children and young adults service, enjoyed the sculptures with her mother Jill. Jill said the respite visits "mean the world" to her family. The trail is officially licensed with permission from Penguin, the children's book publisher, and is produced in collaboration with Wild in Art, Newcastle City Council, and The World of Peter Rabbit.
