Organisers howling with joy as Wolves in Wolves project shapes up

‘Wolves in Wolves’ is being organised in partnership with Outside Centre and Enjoy Wolverhampton. It will see the sculptures of wolves placed around the city, creating the largest public art event in the city.

Designers are being partnered with sponsors to create artwork to decorate the wolves.

It follows The Big Hoot that captured the imagination in Birmingham in 2015, where owl sculptures were located throughout the city.

Now artist Nigel James Kilworth, who studied in Wolverhampton faculty of art and design, has created the first brightly coloured Wolves in Wolves sculpture.

Called Meditation, it includes the bearded face of a gnome holding a mobile phone and has been specially painted by Nigel.

He said: “I work in the garden a lot so that’s what inspired me. There’s also a nod to Wolverhampton Wanderers in there with the gold and black.”

The wolf sculptures will be fixed onto plinths and stand six feet tall. installed around the city Each one will form part of a trail looping around the heart of Wolverhampton.

Pupils at Moreton School in Old Fallings Lane have been working on designs for the mayoral wolf, and the students are also decorating the clinical commissioning group (CCG) wolf, while head of art, Jody Williams, will be decorating one for Yoo Recruit.

Other artists include Aimee Millward, Charlie Kelly, Harriet Davies, Kesia Pennington-Yates, Stef Fridel, Clem Brens, Danielle Robottom, Alex Vann, Jemima Mantle and Sunita Meen, to name but a few.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s director of governance, Kevin O’Keefe, explained how the idea came about following business support officer Manor Singh's travel in Europe.

He said: “The idea was put forward by business support officer, Manor Singh, as part of the council’s 100:100 scheme, which encourages staff to suggest ways the council can improve.

“Manor’s inspiration arose from travelling in Europe, where he saw a similar event being staged in Dublin some years ago. Manor was born and brought up in Park Village and was delighted his idea was picked to raise the profile of his home city.

“Wolves in Wolves is a great opportunity to showcase the City of Wolverhampton to visitors.

“It is fantastic to see businesses, schools and residents working closely together on this exciting project. It will put the city on the map as a cultural centre – and it is also a fun way for families to get active, and discover the city and what it has to offer.”

Other sponsors to date include Marston’s, Wolves FC, Talent Match, Grand Theatre, WV Active, University of Wolverhampton, Movecorp, NCP, Hilton Main Construction, Learn Play Foundation, City of Wolverhampton College, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Homes, Mander Centre, and Wolves Speedway.

Regular updates on Wolves in Wolves are available at www.WolvesinWolves.co.uk.