Rock ‘n’ Glow elephant revealed for art trail

December 9, 2022

Essex artist, Neil Fendell, has revealed his completed elephant for next year’s spectacular summer art trail – Rock ‘n’ Glow.

The elephant, Rock ‘n’ Glow, 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.

Herd In The City, a public art trail created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art, will see 45 large elephant sculptures placed around the streets of Southend-on-Sea, Shoeburyness and Leigh-on-Sea. Each elephant will be sponsored by a local business and decorated in varying styles by different artists.

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

Neil says, “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.”

Asked why he decided to get involved again with Herd In The City, Neil says, “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 local 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.”

Rachel Hawksworth, Project Manager for Havens Hospices, says, “It’s an honour to have Neil back on board again supporting our next art trail, Herd In The City. Everyone loved his design last year, Hare-y Biker, so we’re sure Rock ‘n’ Glow will prove to be a popular elephant on the trail next year.”

Local business and Learning Partner of Herd In The City, Rickard Luckin, has selected Neil’s elephant ‘Rock ‘n’ Glow as their design for the art trail.

Kim Aaronricks, Marketing Manager for Rickard Luckin, says, “As huge fans of Neil’s work, we are delighted to have been matched with him for our chosen design, which beautifully encapsulates the vibrancy and spirit of the Southend landscape and gives kudos to the investment made in the newly accredited city.

“Neil’s local poster designs are already displayed around our offices, and with a joined-up approach to supporting Haven Hospices, it makes perfect sense for us to collaborate with this incredible artist on the Herd In The City initiative.”

At the end of the trail, the elephants will be sold at auction to raise thousands of pounds for the free, specialist hospice care Havens Hospices provides for local adults, children, and their families following the success of the charity’s ‘Hares About Town’ trail in 2021, which raised more than £447,000 for local hospice care.

As well as Rock ‘n’ Glow, there will be another Neil Fendell elephant to look out for on the trail next year – Never Forget – sponsored by local company Ruark. The retro design is a nostalgic nod to the technology the artist grew up with and how the past is an important part of understanding who you are.

Keep up to date with the trail by visiting www.herdinthe.city