Several artists including the Winnie the Witch book series illustrator have painted Oxen sculptures at an Oxford shopping centre.

These artists have been painting ahead of the OxTrail which is set to take place throughout the city from Saturday, July 6 until Thursday, August 29.

The trail will see individually painted sculptures dotted around the city for the public to go and find in the sunshine.

Some have already been painted at the Westgate in Oxford city centre after a pop-up studio was set up within the shopping centre.

Oxford Mail: The sculptures are all individually designed before being released into Oxford's wild.The sculptures are all individually designed before being released into Oxford's wild. (Image: OxTrail 2024)

“Around half of our artists will be painting their oxen at the pop-up OxTrail studio in the Westgate from now until mid to end April,” said a spokesperson for the event.

“Other artists are painting at their studios and sponsor locations such as Blenheim Palace and Solid State Logic.

“There are also smaller versions of the oxen being painted by schools, youth groups and care homes across the county, our media friends and a few special editions.

“The artwork being created is absolutely stunning.”

Oxford Mail: Korky Paul before painting the sculpture.Korky Paul before painting the sculpture. (Image: OxTrail 2024)

Among the artists is Oxford-based Korky Paul who is famed for illustrating the famous Winnie the Witch children’s book series.

The 72-year-old illustrator has been painting an ox in the Westgate and early signs of the work show that Winnie will be making a special appearance.

OxTrail is Oxford’s first-ever art sculpture trail it is being held to support and raise funds for Sobell House Hospice Charity through activities and fundraising on the trail itself.

Oxford Mail: The event commences in the city in July.The event commences in the city in July. (Image: OxTrail 2024)

Amelia Foster, CEO at Sobell House Hospice Charity, said: “OxTrail aims to inspire creativity across Oxfordshire.

“The Westgate viewing gallery is a fantastic opportunity to give the public a look behind the scenes at the wonderful art taking place in the run-up to the event.

“In yet another huge show of support from local businesses for OxTrail, Westgate Shopping Centre has kindly provided us with a space to showcase a sneak peek at the amazing life-size ox sculptures that will form OxTrail.

“The space allows us to celebrate the incredible talent we have on board.”

Oxford Mail: David Melling with his 'Orox' sculpture.David Melling with his 'Orox' sculpture. (Image: OxTrail 2024)

For the eight weeks in summer, 139 oxen in total will be situated across the county for people to visit including 31 large oxen painted by artists all situated outdoors.

Then 108 of the smaller oxen will be across the city and the county in publicly accessible buildings within Oxfordshire towns.

There will be an auction at the end of the trail’s tenure on Friday, September 13, where many of the sculptures will go on sale.

The funds raised through the auction will help to fund the life-enhancing care that Sobell House Hospice provides.