What is the Derby Ram Trail?
The Derby Ram Trail was a stunning, free public art trail of 30 individually designed ram sculptures in Derby. Crafted by regional, professional, emerging and as yet undiscovered artists, it weaved its way through Derby from 27 May to 25 August 2021, encouraging local people to explore and enjoy their city from an exciting new perspective.
Forming a trail of discovery, the sculptures provided an exceptional, creative opportunity to engage people in important topics – from health and well-being to history and culture, to name a few.
A learning programme gave schools and youth organisations the chance to take part with a number of ram-themed activities, and Derby city schools have also had the opportunity to take part in a cross-school completion for a Schools' Mini Ram Trail at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
After entertaining and getting people outdoors, walking more and sharing their stories, the herd of sculptures now come together for a special Ram-union event from 3-5 Sep. This will give everyone a last chance to see the rams, meet some of the artists involved, and maybe even choose one of their favourites to bid for at the charity auction!
On 9 Sep, the legacy of the Derby Ram Trail will continue as the sculptures take centre stage at a glittering auction to raise vital funds for Derby Museums’ Endowment Fund (Registered Charity No 1149710). The Endowment will help Derby Museums to build a more resilient future and continue the tradition of philanthropy in Derby, helping to ensure our heritage is conserved to inspire future generations.
Why is the sculpture a ram?
Anyone who knows Derby will know the ram has special significance to our city. It is the perfect choice. Our ram sculpture is based on the mythical Derby ram from the 18th Century song, which according to legend was ten yards high, with enormous horns and a huge flowing fleece. The story tells how people from all over came to see the huge Derby ram, and we are excited that people are again flocking to Derby, but this time to see a mob of Derby’s mythical rams.
We would like to thank Michael Pegler, sculptor of the ram in the city centre on East Street, for his support in the creation of our ram.
Who is behind the Derby Ram Trail?
Derby Museums are producing the Derby Ram Trail in partnership with Wild in Art. They are supported by Presenting Partner, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID).
How does the event work?
A feel-good campaign we can all be proud of, the Derby Ram Trail connected corporate, public and community partners around the city, providing a new and uniquely creative avenue for collaboration – and all while supporting a local charity.
Businesses across the area were invited to sponsor a blank ram sculpture – the 3D canvas! New and established artists were then invited to submit designs to transform the blank rams with individual artworks. Design ideas were presented to sponsors in January 2020 who each selected their favourite. Successful artists were then commissioned to apply their designs to the sculptures in a wide range of media, both traditional and new, including fine art, illustration, graffiti and mosaic amongst others.
Once all the rams were decorated they appeared in our streets from 27 May to 25 August 2021 to form a free twelve week art trail. Residents and visitors, young and old, explored the trail using a bespoke Derby Ram Trail map and mobile app, helping people to navigate around the city, discover new places and unlock facts about Derby’s history and the museums’ collections.
What happens to the ram sculptures now the trail has ended?
The rams come together for a special RamUnion event from 3-5 September. This will give everyone a last chance to see the rams, meet some of the artists involved, and maybe even choose one of their favourites to bid for at the charity auction!
All of the sculptures then take centre stage at a glittering auction on 9 September to raise vital funds for Derby Museums’ Endowment Fund (Registered Charity No 1149710). The Endowment will help Derby Museums to build a more resilient future and continue the tradition of philanthropy in Derby, helping to ensure our heritage is conserved to inspire future generations.
What are the Ram sculptures made of?
Wild in Art sculptures are designed as a canvas for art and are made of lightweight, fire-resistant fibreglass.
What do the Ram sculptures measure?
The rams are approximately 1395mm tall, 2030mm long, and 1366mm wide, weighing approximately 70kg.
Is the Derby Ram a new sculpture for Wild in Art?
Yes, thanks to the sculptor of the stone ram in the city-centre on East Street, Michael Pegler.
Are there any ram merchandise to purchase?
Yes a selection of ram-themed goodies are available to purchase from the Derby Museum and Art Gallery shop, and are available to view on the Ram Goodies page.
Will the large rams be available to purchase?
Yes, all of the sculptures will take centre stage at a glittering auction on 9 September to raise vital funds for Derby Museums’ Endowment.