BANGOR sculptor Brendan Jamison has proved himself to be a master of the game with his latest creation of an elephant chess sculpture. Brendan has pulled out all the right moves on behalf of the NI Hospice with his contribution to a special art spectacle that is running in Belfast over the summer. From Monday past (June 20), uniquely designed Elmer elephants appeared on the streets of Belfast to form the biggestever public art trail the city has ever seen, running for 10 weeks until August 31. Brendan’s sculpture is located outside the skyscrapers of the BT Tower and Hilton Hotel at Lanyon Place. The piece was sponsored by KPMG and is accompanied by a short text on the artist’s concept. A spokesperson for the NI Hospice said, “With a blaze of colour and creativity, Elmer and his friends bring a ton of fun and laughter to our local area. “After what has been a difficult time for everyone, this Trail is a chance for the whole community to come together to recover, heal and have some fun! “This free outdoor walking trail will provide a much-needed boost to everyone’s wellbeing and the local economy.” Brendan said: “It has been an honour to work on this project to help raise funds and awareness about the incredible work done by the Northern Ireland Hospice. “Every year, 4000 babies, children and adults receive special end-of-life care from the NI Hospice. The work they do is incredible, no cancer charity is more deserving of our support. Long may they continue to do such vital work for our local communities.” The Trail is open to everyone and copies of the NI Hospice’s handillustrated maps can be picked up at key town centre locations across Belfast or download the official Trail app – Elmer’s Big Belfast Trail – for free. When their time in Belfast has ended the Herd will travel across Northern Ireland, stopping off for the weekend in Ballymena, Derry/Londonderry, Newry and Enniskillen and arriving back to Belfast for a final farewell on Saturday, October 8. After entertaining and bringing people together, the legacy of Elmer’s Big Belfast Trail continues as many of the sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds for the Northern Ireland Hospice.
