First look at the 40 dog sculptures coming to Suffolk

In its biggests fundraising event to date, Suffolk Libraries has commissioned some of the county’s best creative minds to design dog sculptures, which will soon come together for a big reveal at the Suffolk Show. 

This campaign, the aptly-named PAWS-itivity, aims to bring some extra fun and colour to Suffolk, whilst helping the vital work of Suffolk Libraries. 

Wayne Bavin of Radio Suffolk said that the station was proud to be supporting Suffolk Libraries. 

“Suffolk Libraries is certainly one of the best in the country, and does an incredible variety of work in the community,” he said. 

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Radio Suffolk presenter Wayne Bavin said that the station is proud to support the work of Suffolk Libraries. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

L-R: Wayne Bavin from Radio Suffolk, Debra Reay, Alex Downing, James Powell from Suffolk Libraries, and Abygail Fossett from the EADT (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The East Anglian Daily Times is also supporting Suffolk Libraries as media partner. 

PAWS-itivity will officially launch at the Suffolk Show on May 31. Until then, several of the artists have revealed sneak peak of their designs. 

A sneak reveal of the dog designed by artist Joel Millerchip. Image: Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

A sneak preview of the 'digging for gold' sculpture. Image: Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

A sneak preview of the 'Redador' dog. Image: Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

The dog sculpture sponsored by Wyards Removals. Image: Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

A sneak preview of the 'Labralore' sculpture. Image: Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Following their grand tour of the county, the dogs will set up home in their own individual libraries before returning to Trinity Park to be auctioned in late September. 

PAWS-itivity's main sponsors now include Suffolk Agricultural Association, Smartest Energy, Clays Publishing, Larking Gowen, Wyards Removals, Adnams, and Mark Bailey Photography.  

Other businesses including John Grose, Smart Garden Office, PS Human Resources and Dial Lane Books are also sponsoring individual dogs. 

Alex Downing is Suffolk Libraries fundraising manager. She said:  

“We’re delighted with all the amazing designs which have been submitted and can’t wait to unveil them at the Suffolk Show. 

“We’d like to thank all our sponsors and supporters and everyone who is contributing to PAWS-itivity – everyone involved is doing their bit to help us to make an even bigger impact in Suffolk communities.”