Brighton: First look at Martlets Shaun The Sheep art trail

The Argus was invited to a secret location in Brighton where dozens of artists are painting the sculptures ahead of a public art installation across the city.

The sculptures all together (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Following on from the success of the Snailspace trail across the city in 2018, 42 sheep sculptures will be placed across Brighton and Hove.

The charity behind the trail, Martlets hospice, has teamed up with Wild In Art and Aardman, the animation studio which made Shaun the Sheep, for the Shaun by the Sea event later this year.

Tina Davies working on her design (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The artists taking part couldn't be more excited, including finger-painter Tina Davies. She returned for the second year after taking part in the snail art trail.

She said: "It's nice making Shaun come alive. It's a great challenge as an artist and working with the three-dimensional form is a challenge."

Each sculpture is being made inside a secret unit with artists working on their projects together. Tina's Shaun design revolves around the theme of rewilding in nature. 

"I love working in this space with everyone, it is so nice to work with other people and bounce your ideas off them," said Tina.

The floor is covered in painting equipment (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The designs will all be displayed in the city from September 9, raising money for the Martlets charity which is rebuilding its hospice in Hove.

For some artists, their designs are deeply personal. Kat Irvine has taken on the challenge of painting the scupture to reflect her mental health challenges.

She said: "The message behind my design is about mental health and the planet.

"This is a great therapy for me and I was thrilled to be picked to be a part of this. I hope people take the time to look at the details and words on him."

Claire Havell working on her sheep (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The full designs are under wraps until a reveal later this year - however The Argus was able to take pictures of the detail in some of the designs.

It is illustrator Claire Havell's first time taking part in an art trail and she has been working hard to paint the tiny details on her sheep.

She said: "I follow someone on Instagram who did a trail up north and I was really inspired.

"And then the Shaun the Sheep trail was announced and it was great, as I love Shaun the Sheep.

"I've been enjoying the process so far and I've been inspired by the amount of talent in the room.

"Everyone is very encouraging and really good with feedback and you can ask them for advice."

A Royal Pavilion design on the side of one of the sheep (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Alongside the 42 Shauns, a roving sculpture will appear at different locations throughout the city. Additionally, 80 little Shauns created by community groups, schools and care homes will be displayed.