The city’s much loved mechanical sheep sculpture is back in action after a full restoration, delighting visitors once again from its home above the entrance to Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
Affectionally nicknamed Baa-Bara, the quirky 'Woolf in Sheep’s Clothing' has taken pride of place above Lichfield Street since it was installed by artist Andy Plant in 2000 but has been out of commission for several years due to mechanical issues. This project has received £22,000 from the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which has meant a full programme of restoration has been made possible by David Cranmer of Nervous Squirrel Ltd.
The sculpture is now operating with a new soundtrack that has been created by Staffordshire musician Paul Marshall and sees the sheep raised slowly into the air until suspended above the art gallery balcony where it splits open to reveal a red-eyed wolf. Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “This fun and quirky sculpture is exactly what makes our city so special.
“She is obviously a much-loved feature of the art gallery and it's brilliant to have her up and working again. Wolverhampton Art Gallery is a place where everyone can enjoy art and having something fun and interactive shows just how much there is here for all ages.
“With children breaking up for the Easter holidays shortly, we’d love people to come and experience it for themselves.” The piece was inspired by the role Wolverhampton played in the wool trade, which is represented in the crest of the old borough.
The wolf acts as a counterpoint and, as well as being the nickname of the city's football team, ties in with the old saying, 'a wolf in sheep's clothing'. Andy Plant, The Woolf in Sheep’s Clothing artist, said: “I put forward several different ideas but the one that was chosen was The Woolf in Sheep’s Clothing, and I felt it was very appropriate to have these two characters together, giving an element of surprise on the hour.
“Wolverhampton Art Gallery wasn't allowed to put in a permanent installation as it’s a Grade II listed building so it had to be hidden on the balcony, and that’s why it hides and only appears on the hour. It was very nice to be back here and see the sculpture fully refurbished and operational.”
To see Baa-bara in action, visit Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Lichfield Street, operating times are on the hour, every hour daily from noon-5pm, March to October and 11am–4pm, October to March.
