Meet The Hare Raiser

If you've been out and about in the Cotswolds recently, you may have stumbled across some rather special visitors...

Over 130 magnificent hand-decorated hare sculptures of various sizes have taken up residence in Cotswold towns, cities and countryside far and wide, forming the COTSWOLDS AONB HARE TRAIL 2018.

Partnered with the Cotswolds Conservation board, the trail aims to conserve, enhance, explore and enjoy the special qualities of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), whilst encouraging everyone from art aficionados and nature lovers to social media snappers to visit new attractions and explore hidden hills and valleys, quiet corners and busy market towns along the trail.

One of those Hares now stands within the cloister walls of the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral in the secluded Garth - a calm oasis offering one of the best views of the Cathedral’s tower. This well dressed hare, complete with top hat and tails, is called 'Hare Raiser'. He came to life in a beautiful Cotswold village under Bredon Hill, designed and crafted by Katie Hough, a renowned equine and pet portrait artist.

Hare Raiser is proudly sponsored by SoGlos, Gloucestershire's online lifestyle magazine, and will be very pleased to meet you for photo opportunities from Tuesday 22 May through to Sunday 9 September 2018 (check opening times)

Describing the Hare Raiser, Katie said;-

My hare tips his hat with a nod of whimsical irony towards the rich tapestry of Cotswold landscape, encompassing all walks of life and the traditions embroiled in our history.

It was important to me to create something that celebrated the history of the Cotswolds, especially the equine world in which I am heavily immersed, both creatively and personally. So much local industry within the area revolves around horses. Equine pursuits have helped shape the Cotswold landscape, people and traditions. I also wanted to create a character that would be attractive and full of personality

By sculpting over the top of the fibreglass mould provided with plaster, I was able to capture the ruggedly elegant textures of the hares Whilst I mainly work in chalk pastels on artboard, I am pleased that I have managed to stay true to my personal style capturing character, movement and natural colours and tones.

At the 'end of trail' on 21st September there will be a live auction at the Corn Hall, Cirencester - your chance to take home any of the Hares featured on the trail, with all net profits going to Glorious Cotswold Grasslands, and Caring for the Cotswolds a scheme (set up and run by the Cotswolds Conservation Board) which funds a range of important landscape and environmental projects that help to conserve the Cotswolds’ natural beauty and ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations.

In the meantime, enjoy the trail and your visit to Gloucester Cathedral (did you know they filmed parts of Harry Potter in the Cloisters there?) - and don't forget to send Katie your selfies with Hare Raiser - she'd love to see them!