Watch Out for the 9 O’clock Horses

Created by: Christina Wigmore
Sponsored by: uptonsteel
Location: Great Central Square

Overview

The design of abstract ghostly horses and a child shouting a warning is based on a Victorian era Leicester folk tale parents used to get children into bed and asleep by 9pm. Before drainage and waste disposal, night soil men came into the city to collect waste to use as manure on farmland – but a local bye-law stated they couldn’t come into town until after 9pm. The tale warned that children wandering the streets after 9pm would be taken away by the horses to work as labourers!

Location

Great Central Square

Meet the Artist

Christina Wigmore

Christina Wigmore is a Leicester-based textile and mixed media artist and printmaker inspired by local landmarks, people, places and stories behind objects that people keep for sentimental reasons.   She has many years of experience of developing and delivering community arts projects and enjoys the challenge of creating quirky and vibrant designs and artwork that tell a story.

 

Meet the Sponsor: uptonsteel

uptonsteel

One of the largest independent steel stockists and processors of high quality strip mill products in the UK. Our trusted, next day delivery service is recognised as one of the most reliable in the industry.

We deliver on our promises and are passionate about our business, as well as our customers and partners.

What we do, we do well, consistently. We are uptonsteel.

Meet the Elephants

Lexi

Lexi

Created by: Jenny LeonardSponsored by: BID LeicesterLocation: Middletons Steakhouse - St MartinsArtist Jenny Leonard has reimagined her Elephant sculpture as a giant 3D portrait, featuring dozens of stark black and white abstract faces that blend into one another. The...

read more
Ele-gene Voyager

Ele-gene Voyager

Created by: Marta ZubietaLocation: University of Leicester - David Wilson LibraryPrepare to be dazzled by Ele-Gene, a cosmic explorer with a scientific twist! Painted in deep galactic purples and blues, Ele-Gene is a tribute to Leicester’s groundbreaking contributions...

read more
The Mindful Elephant

The Mindful Elephant

Created by: Ruthi ElizabethLocation: Victoria Park - MemorialArtist Ruthie Elizabeth believes creativity is a source of healing, and has produced a selection of colouring books which, in her words, are designed to “uplift spirits and bring solace in a world that often...

read more
Scrumbo

Scrumbo

Created by: Tim SutcliffeSponsored by: Trucklink EULocation: Nelson Mandela ParkScrumbo is a design inspired by the livery of Leicester Tigers Rugby Club. It uses tiger stripes in the club’s colours of dark green, white and red in a nod to the club, and proudly sports...

read more
Taking Strides Towards Peace and Unity

Taking Strides Towards Peace and Unity

Created by: Adam KhalifaLocation: Granby StreetLeicester based artist Adam Khalifa is driven by a desire to spark meaningful conversations that encourage an understanding of unity, inclusivity, and shared human experience. The hand-written Arabic script is encoded...

read more
Sir Stomp-alot

Sir Stomp-alot

Created by: AngusLocation: Orton SquareMeet 'Sir Stomp-a-lot', a truly unique elephant! Covered entirely in coins - from shiny 2 pence pieces to £2 coins - every inch of his body, from his trunk right down to his tail, gleams with metal. Because he's made from these...

read more
Harry the Dryadephant

Harry the Dryadephant

Created by: Laura BowdenSponsored by: Dryad EducationLocation: The Circle - New WalkThe sculpture is inspired by the Leicester based company Dryad Handicrafts - founded in 1907 - and its main founder Harry Hardy Peach. Dryad became influential designers and crafters...

read more
Morris

Morris

Created by: Sian TezelLocation: Bede Park - Stone CircleMorris is inspired by the artist William Morris, who designed a wallpaper pattern named ‘Leicester’. Instead of the yellow daisies on the original design, artist Sian Tezel has substituted forget-me-nots to...

read more
Threads of Unity

Threads of Unity

Created by: Aasiri Wickremage Sponsored by: De Montfort UniversityLocation: De Montfort University - Mill LaneThis vibrant sculpture depicts an elephant adorned with striking patterns and colours, symbolising creativity, unity, and heritage. The intricate designs...

read more