WorldHorseWelfare Scuplture Trail, London

World Horse Welfare currently have an art trail meandering from Sloane Square to Chelsea Town Hall, King's Road, Kensington & Chelsea.  The trail of ten art sculptures is present until they trot off at end of August 2019 (check with WHW for exact dates).  

The sculptures, all approximately 11hh tall have been designed by some well-known equine enthusiasts including Sara Cox, Martin Clunes and Alan Titchmarsh.  Each horse has it's own story displayed next to it.  

I met with a friend at London Victoria, where we took a train to Sloane Sqaure underground station and picked up an official trail map from Sloane Square Hotel.  From there we took a leisurely walk and followed the route down the King's Road.  The route is family friendly less than a mile in length.  

Here follows a taste of the trail.  I'll add more photographs once the trail has finished.  

'Black' Artist: Gillian Higgins Sponsor: Lincoln Horse Care

Above - 'Black'
Artist: Gillian Higgins 
Sponsor: Lincoln Horse Care 

'Rayo' Artist: Lee McKenzie Sponsor: The Jockey Club

Above - 'Rayo'
Artist: Lee McKenzie
Sponsor: The Jockey Club 

'Patience' Artist: Jamie Osbourne

Above - 'Patience' 
Artist: Jamie Osbourne

'Mr Melvin Andrews' Artist: Sara Cox Sponsor: Horse & Hound

Above - 'Mr Melvin Andrews'
Artist: Sara Cox
Sponsor: Horse & Hound 

'All the pretty horses' - new restaurant; Vardo is soon to open in Duke of York Square.  What a gorgeous mural design to look at in the mean time.  

Of all the horses on the trail, I think 'Clippy' had to be my favourite.  Clippy, by Martin Clunes and Jennifer Bell is sponsored by Wimbledon Village Stables. He is positioned in busy Duke of York Square overlooked by diners.  Beautifully painted, he is a handsome chap with a kind expression.   

Clippy's Story - "Clippy was found neglected and abandoned in a dilapidated stable.  He was named Clippy as he was found with a number of lead ropes attached to his headcollar.  Clippy was rehabilitated by the team at Glenda Spooner Farm, a World Horse Welfare re-homing centre in Somerset.  Clippy was the inspiration for the World Horse Welfare garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2017 which told his story and helped raise awareness of the work of World Horse Welfare".    

Below - Clippy
Artist: Martin Clunes OBE & Jennifer Bell 
Sponsor: Wimbledon Village Stables
Clippy Artist: Martin Clunes OBE & Jennifer Bell Sponsor: Wimbledon Village Stables

Clippy Artist: Martin Clunes OBE & Jennifer Bell Sponsor: Wimbledon Village Stables

Clippy Artist: Martin Clunes OBE & Jennifer Bell Sponsor: Wimbledon Village Stables

The Trail ends just by Chelsea Town Hall.  It's a lovely walk that you can take at your own leisurely pace.    

It's important not to forget the reasons behind the trail and take time to read the stories displayed on the plinths with the sculptures.

"I think the horse trail is a fantastic combination of art and horses,” said World Horse Welfare Patron Sara Cox.  "Hopefully people will find the different designs thought provoking and will prompt them to think about all the horses, ponies and donkeys out there that need love"

World Horse Welfare's vision is a world where every horse is treated with respect, compassion and understanding.
"Our mission is to work with horses, horse owners, communities, organisations and governments to help improve welfare standards and stamp out suffering in the UK and worldwide" 

If you have followed the trail and wish to donate or wish to make a donation anyway you can text Trail followed by your donation to 70085 i.e to donate £3 text 'Trail 3'.  More details on this can be found on World Horse Welfare's website.  You can also make a bid on your favourite horse - they are up for auction in November.  

Whilst you are there, also along the trail on the Kings Road on the King's Road -   

Not to be missed even if window shopping - Maitre Choux: Unique patisserie by multi award winning pastry chef, Joakim Prat.  I've been drooling over Maitre Choux's instagram for a good few years!  Rather pricey but each piece of choux truly is a work of art!  Just look at them! 😍

Salted Caramel choux goodness 😍

Also highly recommended - Venchi, 71 King's Road.  Real Italian gelato, a wonderful array of flavours.  There is even a flowing chocolate tap for coating ice cream cones.  The queue in-store was rather long but I was glad of this as it took me a while to decide on what flavour to pick!  I picked well and was most pleased with my selection of 75% dark chocolate paired with caramel.  Totally instagrammable too!   

These are only two of many places to stop and eat on the King's Road.  There are well over 40 cafes and restaurants to choose from each of them unique.  

After finishing the trail we took a walk Albert Bridge, sat for a while in Battersea Park overlooking the river and then wandered back over Chelsea Bridge back to London Victoria.  I had a really enjoyable day following the trail.  Do share any photos/ comments if you take part!  

Albert Bridge

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