View source for Wolves in Wolves

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
[[File:Wolves in Wolves (Apr 2017).jpg|thumb|Wolves in Wolves sculptures prior to painting.]]'''Wolves in Wolves''' was a public [[art exhibition]] which took place in [[Wolverhampton]], England, between 5 July and 24 September 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2017/01/30/wolves-in-wolves-thirty-wolf-sculptures-to-be-installed-around-wolverhampton/ |title=Wolves in Wolves: Thirty wolf sculptures to be installed around Wolverhampton |author=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=Express & Star |date=2017-01-30 |access-date=2017-07-03}}</ref>

The event was conceived and proposed to City of Wolverhampton Council in 2015, through its '100 Bright Ideas' initiative by Council employee Mandeep ('Manor') Singh<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-30 |title=Wolves in Wolves: Thirty wolf sculptures to be installed around Wolverhampton |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2017/01/30/wolves-in-wolves-thirty-wolf-sculptures-to-be-installed-around-wolverhampton/ |access-date=2023-07-15 |website=www.expressandstar.com |language=en}}</ref> and when delivered it consisted of 30 two-metre-high wolf sculptures that were located throughout Wolverhampton. The wolves were individually decorated by local and international artists, with sponsorship funding provided by both public and private sector organisations. The wolves formed a 4.5 mile Wolf Trail taking in [[West Park, Wolverhampton|West Park]], [[Chapel Ash]] and Wolverhampton city centre, with a map available to help people track them down.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cox |first=Robert |date=4 July 2017 |title=Where Wolves? |work=Express & Star }}</ref> Wolves in Wolves was Wolverhampton's largest public art event ever to this date.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://westwulf.wordpress.com/2017/04/17/wolf-sculptures-set-to-howl-in-wolverhampton/ |title=Wolf sculptures set to howl in Wolverhampton |author=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=West Wulf |date=2017-04-17 |access-date=2017-07-03}}</ref> Additionally, there was an exhibition of 70 mini-wolves sculptures, designed and painted by pupils from 35 primary schools, community groups and artists, on display at [[Wolverhampton Art Gallery]] for the duration of the event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/whats-on/mini-wolves-exhibition/ |title=Mini Wolves Exhibition |author=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=Wolverhampton Arts & Culture |date=2017-07-01 |access-date=2017-07-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/article/11149/Schools-join-in-fun-as-part-of-Mini-Wolves-exhibition |title=Schools join in fun as part of Mini Wolves exhibition |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2017-07-06 |website=www.wolverhampton.gov.uk |publisher=City of Wolverhampton Council |access-date=2017-07-07 }}</ref>

The ambition for Wolves in Wolves was to combine a quality artistic and cultural event with associated public health, educational and economic benefits as well as raising funds and awareness for key local organisations and charities.

==The event==
Wolves in Wolves was a joint project between City of Wolverhampton Council, Outside Centre and Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID).<ref>{{cite web|title=Wolves in Wolves Sculpture Trail|url=http://enjoywolverhampton.com/events/wolves-in-wolves-sculpture-trail/|website=Enjoy Wolverhampton|access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About - Outside Centre|url=http://www.digital-disability.com/about/|website=Digital Disability - Official Website of Outside Centre|publisher=Outside Centre|access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>

In May 2016, Outside Centre commissioned Marie Sewell to design the prototype wolf sculpture, which formed the basis of each exhibit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebohocreative.co.uk/wolverhampton-wolves-in-wolves-scupltures/ |title=Wolverhampton Wolves in Wolves Sculptures |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=4 April 2017 |website=thebohocreative.co.uk |access-date=4 July 2017 }}</ref>  In March 2017, the first blank wolf sculpture was delivered to Moreton School<ref>{{cite news|title=The howling: First Wolves in Wolves sculptures arrive|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2017/03/30/the-howling-first-wolves-in-wolves-arrive/|access-date=14 August 2017|agency=Express and Star|publisher=Express and Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Moreton School|url=http://moreton-school.org/2017/03/31/wolves-arrived-moreton/|website=Moreton School|access-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>  situated in the Bushbury Hill area of the city, with the school pupils tasked with creating a design for the Mayoral Wolf; a wolf sculpture designed with the Mayor of Wolverhampton in mind.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/article/10690/Pupils-get-to-grips-with-the-Wolves-in-Wolves |title=Pupils get to grips with the Wolves in Wolves |author=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=City of Wolverhampton Council |date=2017-03-30 |access-date=2017-07-03}}</ref> A further 29 blank sculptures were delivered to a studio, where local and international artists decorated each wolf sculpture in a unique manner.

The 30 large wolves were strategically exhibited along a "Wolf Trail"  which wound through the city centre. At the same time City of Wolverhampton Art Gallery hosted an exhibition of over 70 miniature wolf sculptures which had been decorated by primary schools in the city and by local artists funded by Celebrate of the [[National Lottery Community Fund|Big Lottery]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/funding/celebrateuk|title=Big lottery Fund - Celebrate|date=14 June 2018|website=Big lottery|access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref> Over 100,000 people visited the city to take part in the Wolf Trail walks over the summer of 2017, visit a pop-up shop selling branded "Wolves in Wolves" merchandise as well as items created by the artists who participated in the project.

The project was supported by several organisations in the city and region, who were categorised as Platinum, Gold or Silver sponsors (and other special project element supporters). These were HeadStart Wolverhampton, Hilton Main Construction, Learn Play Foundation, Mander Centre, Marston’s, Wolverhampton Civic and Historical Society, MoveCorp, Talent Match Black Country, NHS Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group, Wolverhampton Speedway, University of Wolverhampton, Yoo Recruit, West Midlands Fire Service, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Arena Theatre, Enjoy Wolverhampton (Wolverhampton BID), Awards for All, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wolvesinwolves.co.uk/sponsors.html|title=Sponsor details|date=1 August 2017|website=wolvesinwolves.co.uk|access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref>

==Conclusion of the event==
At the conclusion of the event, some sponsors retained their wolf sculptures, which may still be seen at various locations in the City of Wolverhampton today.  Many of the Wolves in Wolves exhibits were sold at a celebratory Public Auction at Wolverhampton Wanderers' Molineux stadium on 2 November 2017.

More than 150 people attended the auction led by Fielding Auctioneers Ltd’s Will Farmer, who is well known for his appearances on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fieldingsauctioneers.co.uk/about-us|title=Fieldings Auctioneers|last=Will|first=Farmer|website=Fieldings Auctioneers LTD|access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref> There were also online bids as 15 of the 2-metre-high wolves, and 40 of the mini-wolves, went under the hammer..

At the beginning of the Auction, The Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, the late Cllr Elias Mattu, presented a special gold-coloured mini-wolf statute to Council employee Mandeep ('Manor') Singh, who had originally conceived the project and had worked as a project management assistant delivering the event.

‘Garden’ (by the artist Claire Rollerson) was the big wolf that went for the most money at £3,200, while the most expensive of the 40 mini-wolves was Ralph (by the artist Meg Gregory) at £1,000. The final sale proceeds of over £35,000 were divided between Outside Centre and the Charities of the Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/wolverhampton/2017/11/03/wolves-in-wolves-are-auctioned-off-raising-more-than-35000-for-charity/|title=Wolves in Wolves are auctioned off, raising more than £35,000 for charity – video and pictures|last=Drew|first=Mark|website=www.expressandstar.com|language=en|access-date=2017-11-03}}</ref> These charities included: 

* Wolverhampton Sickle Cell Care and Social Activity Centre
* [[Alzheimer's Society|Alzheimer’s Society]] Black Country
* Interfaith Wolverhampton
* LGBT Network Wolverhampton
* Central Youth Theatre
* [[Acorns Children's Hospice|Acorns Children’s Hospice]]
* Wolverhampton Street Pastors<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-17 |title=Wolves in Wolves 2017: The Story - The Big Blog |url=https://blog.thebigphonestore.co.uk/wolves-in-wolves-2017-story/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==List of wolf statues==
30 wolf sculptures, each uniquely designed by local and international artists, are situated in and around Wolverhampton city centre. The majority of these are outdoors, with some in art galleries and theatres.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wolvesinwolves.co.uk/wolves/trail.html
 |title=The Wolf Trail |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=<!--Not stated--> |website=WolvesInWolves.co.uk |access-date=4 July 2017 }}</ref>

{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:95%;width:100%;border:0px;text-align:left;line-height:150%;"
! class="sortable" style="background: #f2f2f2; color: #000080" height="17" width="25%" | Name
! class="unsortable" style="background: #f2f2f2; color: #000080" height="17" width="25%" | Artist(s)
! class="unsortable" style="background: #f2f2f2; color: #000080" height="17" width="25%" | Sponsor
! class="sortable" style="background: #f2f2f2; color: #000080" height="17" width="25%" | Location
|-
| '''Wild'''
| Stef Fridael
| Dutch Embassy
| [[Wolverhampton Art Gallery]]
|-
| '''Colour'''
| Clemens Briels
| Dutch Embassy
| Wolverhampton Art Gallery
|-
| '''Love'''
| Danielle Robotham
| McAuliffe Group
| Wolverhampton Registry Office
|-
| '''Hunter'''
| Sophie Casewell
| University of Wolverhampton
| Wolverhampton School of Art
|-
| '''Old Gold'''
| Alex Vann
| [[Wolverhampton Wanderers FC]]
| [[Molineux Stadium|Molineux Football Stadium]]
|-
| '''The Sitting'''
| Jasyn Lucas
| Travel Manitoba
| WV Active Central
|-
| '''Bayliss'''
| Jody Lee Williams
| Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group
| [[West Park, Wolverhampton|West Park]] (near bandstand)
|-
| '''Thomas'''
| Sunita Meen
| [[Marston's PLC]]
| Marston's Brewery Shop
|-
| '''Sunset'''
| Jemima Mantle
| Wolverhampton Speedway
| Darlington Street
|-
| '''Support Life'''
| Alex Vann
| Suicide Prevention Forum
| Victoria Street
|-
| '''Compton'''
| Harriet Davies
| Daler Rowney
| Wolverhampton Market
|-
| '''Kiyiya'''
| Jo Burgess
| [[Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton|Arena Theatre]]
| The Way, School Street
|-
| '''Rainbow'''
| Julie Fletcher
| National Car Parks (NCP)
| Snow Hill
|-
| '''Meditation'''
| Nigel James Kilworth
| Framers Gallery
| Central Library
|-
| '''Hope'''
| HeadStart Team
| HeadStart
| Wulfrun Centre (Atrium)
|-
| '''Aurora'''
| Katie Keith
| Talent Match
| Wulfrun Centre (Entrance)
|-
| '''Endless Opportunities'''
| Jody Lee Williams
| YOO Recruit
| St Georges Metro Station
|-
| '''Dynasty'''
| Laura Hickman & Kesia Pennington-Yates
| #bigcelebration
| Princess Street
|-
| '''Flame'''
| Mark Lavendar & David Miller
| [[West Midlands Fire Service|West Midlands Fire Brigade]]
| [[Express & Star]], Queen Street
|-
| '''Garden'''
| Claire Rollerson
| [[Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton|Grand Theatre]]
| Wolverhampton Bus Station
|-
| '''Wolfy McWolf'''
| Emily Bland
| Move Corp
| Railway Drive
|-
| '''Sacred Grandfathers'''
| Jasyn Lucas
| Thompson's Spirit Way
| Chubb Buildings
|-
| '''Beanstalk'''
| Navkiran Klare
| [[Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton|Grand Theatre]]
| [[Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton|Grand Theatre]], Lichfield Street
|-
| '''The Fallen'''
|[[Claire Darke]]
| [[Heritage Lottery Fund]]
| St. Peter's Gardens
|-
| '''Fenrir'''
| Marie Sewell & Neil Hodgkiss
| [[Wolverhampton Homes]]
| [[Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton|Arena Theatre]], Wulfruna Street
|-
| '''Wolf Ver-Hampton'''
| Moreton School
| [[Wolverhampton council|City of Wolverhampton Council]]
| Civic Centre (Main Entrance)
|-
| '''Zeus'''
| Highfields School
| WV Active
| Civic Centre (Piazza)
|-
| '''Beowulf'''
| Parastoo Duffett
| Enjoy Wolverhampton
| Queen Square
|-
| '''Mander'''
| Julie Fletcher & Laura Hickman
| [[Mander Centre]]
| [[Mander Centre]]
|-
| '''Claude'''
| Belinda Maria Longsden
| Enjoy Wolverhampton
| Mobile Wolf
|-
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.wolvesinwolves.co.uk Official Wolves in Wolves website]
* http://enjoywolverhampton.com/bid/

[[Category:Painted statue public art]]
[[Category:Sculptures in England]]