Hampshire Hog art trail opens in Basingstoke
Seventeen of the painted sculptures have been placed around the town
Last updated 11th Aug 2021
You're being invited to go pig spotting in Basingstoke!
17 life-sized painted sculptures of Hampshire hogs have been placed around the town for a summer art trail.
There's an app to help you find them and each hog has been painted by a local artist including students from QMC and Basingstoke college of technology.
The art trail has been entirely funded by sponsorship from local businesses and organisations all supporting the project to give visitors a free staycation summer activity, and to help the town on a positive road to recovery after the pandemic.
The Hog sculptures have unique designs representing aspects of life, heritage, culture and countryside in Hampshire, each one sponsored by a local business. Most are within walking distance of the town centre with others a few miles out giving everyone the chance to explore.
Felicity Edwards from Destination Basingstoke said:
“It has been quite a journey to get this project off the ground with many challenges to overcome, but we knew it would be a great way to support our town after a tough year for all of us. We are so grateful for the support we have received from our partners and sponsors and of course the wonderful artists – what a talented lot they are. We hope that everyone will enjoy them and look after them so we can be sure they raise as much as possible for charity”.
A gathering of sponsors, partners and artists was held to celebrate the launch of the trail and was the first chance for artists to meet the sponsor that is funding their sculpture. Headline sponsor, Absolutely Offices hosted the gathering around their Hog, titled, ‘Our Community’ – designed and painted by Laura Fisher.
The art trail will be in place for two months when everyone will be able to enjoy it for free. Then in October there will be a chance to buy one of Hogs at a charity auction.