Penguin Sculpture Finds New Home on Canal Boat in Worcester
A charming penguin sculpture named Percy has found a new home on a canal boat in Worcester
Worcester, UK, Penguin Sculpture, Canal Boat, St Richard’s Hospice
Worcester: So, there’s this cool penguin sculpture that just got a new gig on a canal boat! It’s called Percy now, and it used to be part of an art trail in the city.
Originally named Welcome to Worcester, it was picked for the city’s art trail by BBC Hereford & Worcester. It was hanging out in the Hopmarket courtyard before finding its new home.
A local guy, Noel Connolly, who lives on a canal boat at Diglis Marina, decided to buy Percy. He wanted to honor his wife’s family members who received care from St Richard’s Hospice.
Now, Percy is perched on the back of the boat, keeping an eye on Café Afloat in Diglis Basin. Noel says Percy is a real conversation starter in the community.
Noel is also busy fixing up a cottage on Diglis Island, where Percy will eventually move to. It’s all very exciting!
This penguin was part of a big art project with 40 large sculptures and a chick that raised a whopping £330,000 for the hospice at an auction last October.
Sara Matthews from the hospice is thrilled about Percy’s new home. She says he’s become a beloved figure for locals and visitors alike, making a lasting impression in the city.
The art trail featured 80 penguins, including 40 baby ones, displayed around Worcester for eight weeks last summer. The little ones have since gone back to the schools and groups that painted them.
The original design of Welcome to Worcester was created by Ollie Tindale from a local studio. It showcased some of Worcester’s famous landmarks, like the cathedral and the racecourse.
Bill Simpson, from The Hopmarket Charity, is also happy to see Percy thriving. He brought a lot of visitors to the area last summer and continues to be a hit in Diglis Marina.