Moo Holland, a lifesized fiberglass cow painted to depict a countryside landscape by artist Jenny Leonard, has been unveiled at Countryfile Live, a new event based on the popular BBC television programme. The decorated cow is a member of the Surrey CowParade, a public art exhibition which raises money for charitable causes and community projects.
Moo Holland’s UK tour got udder-way on the New Holland stand at Countryfile Live, which takes place at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire from 4th – 7th August. After the event Moo Holland will moo-ve to London where intrepid commuters, tourists and children can visit her in the peaceful courtyard of St. Bride’s Church, just off Fleet Street between the 8th and 31st August.
Moo Holland’s sponsors include agricultural machinery manufacturer New Holland and south-east agricultural machinery dealership Oakes Brothers Ltd.
Once the exhibition ends the cows from the Surrey CowParade will be auctioned-off for charity with the proceeds split between a charity of the sponsor’s choice and Surrey CowParade’s charity, the Surrey Hills Trust Fund. New Holland is supporting farming charity Addington Fund and money raised from the auction of Moo Holland will provide much-needed funds to help farmers in England and Wales. The charity was among those who helped farmers affected by the flooding on the Somerset Levels in 2014 and In the north of England in December 2015.
Sara Sebastianelli, Brand Communications at New Holland Agriculture UK and Ireland says: “Supporting farmers and farming families is very important to us at New Holland. We are really excited to be at CountryFile Live to meet members of the public and show off Moo Holland for the first time. We felt that the Addington Fund, who we have supported in the past, was the ideal charity to benefit from this initiative”.
Ian Bell, Chief Executive of Addington Fund describes why raising money through initiatives like Moo Holland and Surrey CowParade is vital. He says: “It’s a sad fact that many farmers risk losing their home when they have to leave the agricultural industry, often through no fault of their own. The continuing dairy crisis with many farmers losing money on every pint of milk they produce had led to many thousands facing financial ruin and forced to leave dairy farming.
“Elderly tenant farmers who don’t own the land they farm are particularly at risk of homelessness once they give up their tenancy. Many cannot afford the market rates for private rented properties and so they come to us for help.”
The CowParade is the world’s largest public art event and this year’s event includes over 50 bovine beauties at various locations across Surrey and London. The exhibition runs until 3rd September when all the cows will be herded back to Surrey CowParade HQ to be on display at the Surrey Hills Festival of Food and Drink at Coverwood Farm, Ewehurst, Surrey, before being auctioned.
Measuring 84″ long, 29″ wide and 48″ high, with a 83″ girth, Moo Holland was brought to life by artist Jenny Leonard who painted her to depict an iconic countryside landscape at harvest time, complete with tractors, combine harvesters and fields of golden corn. The artist was selected by Addington Fund for her experience in painting animal sculptures for public art trails.
A time-lapse video showing Jenny painting Moo Holland can be viewed here.
Talking about Moo Holland’s trip to London after Countryfile Live, Sara Sebastianelli, Brand Communications at New Holland Agriculture UK and Ireland says: “We’re proud to be bringing the countryside to London and releasing Moo Holland into the city. Londoners will be able find her at St Bride’s Church on the world-famous Fleet Street, and admire the beautiful countryside-inspired artwork created by Jenny. Moo Holland loves a selfie and we hope that people will share snaps taken with her using the hashtag #MooHolland so we can see all of her new friends.”
After the Surrey CowParade grand finale on 3rd September Moo Holland will continue her tour of the UK for a little while longer. More dates and locations will be announced soon.
Download the Surrey CowParade App to find Moo Holland from the Monday 8th August.