All the way back in 2017, we got involved in a unique public art event commemorating Jane Austen’s connections with Basingstoke, called Sitting With Jane. It was wonderful to partake in a communal art event, and we were very proud to have contributed in some small way to the £1.1 million boost to the local economy.
So when the opportunity for us to get involved with another similar event was presented, we leapt at it. Hence our involvement with the upcoming Hampshire Hogs art sculpture trail, starting on 10th August 2021! Here’s everything you need to know about the Hampshire Hogs event, and how it relates to Worting House.
Hampshire Hogs trail
Just like the Sitting With Jane event, Hampshire Hogs will see a number of colourful, uniquely designed, sculptures popping up around Basingstoke. This time, though, instead of Austen-inspired benches, they’ll be life-sized pigs. Their designs are all inspired by famous people, places, or events in Hampshire, and are hand-painted by local artists.
The hogs are all set to be installed and the trail launched on the 10th August, ready for the people of Basingstoke to get out and about to see them all. There’ll also be a companion app launching if you need some help tracking them down.
And, best of all, the entire project is in aid of some very important causes. Interest in the hogs will help drive people into the town, giving local businesses a much-needed boost after the last 18 months. At the end of the event, the hogs will be auctioned off in aid of a local charity.
Each hog is also sponsored by a local company, with the list of sponsors including:
- Worting House
- DisasterCare South Central
- Fyffes
- Queen Mary’s College
- Chineham Shopping
- Absolutely Offices
- Basingstoke College of Technology
- Four Lanes Trust
- Love Basingstoke
- L Hunt & Sons Ltd
You can read more about the Hampshire Hogs project here, and you’ll be able to keep up with the entire event by following @HantsHogs on Instagram or Facebook, or by keeping your eye on the #HantsHogs hashtag.
Why hogs?
You might be asking yourself ‘what do hogs have to do with anything’? The answer is ‘maybe more than you think’!
The idea for Hampshire Hogs originates from Hampshire’s long association with hogs, with people from the area being referred to as Hampshire Hogs from as long ago as the late 18th century.
This probably stemmed from Hampshire’s abundance of wild boar, and this part of the county’s heritage is already reflected in a sculpture of a hog that sits outside of Hampshire County Council’s Winchester office, installed in 1989, and the name of Hampshire Hogs Cricket Club.
Come and visit Worting House’s Hampshire Hog
So where do we come into it? We’re one of the local companies sponsoring a Hampshire Hog, meaning that we’ll be welcoming our very own hand-painted pig to the Worting House grounds before the 10th August.
We can’t wait to see the design of our hog, and equally can’t wait to welcome all of the visitors that come out to see it. And while you’re here, feel free to come and say hi to us inside Worting House, or make use of our courtyard café, More Of The Good Stuff.
