Rare breed returns to St Helier

Sunday 25 June 2017

A new public sculpture was unveiled in St Helier this week to celebrate the multi-million pound refurbishment of the de Gruchy store.

The three-quarter life-sized model of a ram was unveiled by the Store Director of de Gruchy, John Marquis.

The store says that local sculptor Pippa Barrow was commissioned to, "...create a piece that would echo de Gruchy’s history, its brand values and create a sense of continuity by linking the products sold then and now.The result is a playful reflection of the company’s artisanal past – supplying knitted goods and drapery – and its 21st century brand ethos ‘Forever Inspired’."

The bronze sculpture is inspired by the rare Manx Loaghtan breed of sheep which is the closest living relative to the flocks that once lived in Jersey, and are now used on the Island’s north coast for environmental restoration.  It also draws on architectural features including carved rams’ heads found on the columns of the stores New Street entrance.

On the ram’s plinth there is a slot created to enable visitors to make a charitable donation, in the spirit of de Gruchy’s commitment to supporting local charities and the local community.  For 2017 all donations will go to Jersey Hospice Care, the stores official charity of the year for whom the store have already raised over £2500.

Chris Clifford, who advised de Gruchy on the project said, “The modern view of the urban environment is that our streets have become ‘brand-scapes’.  We wanted to create a work of art that playfully addresses the boundaries between public and private spaces, and which draws its inspiration from the original history of de Gruchy, its people and its products over the centuries."

John Marquis, Store Director of de Gruchy said “Our investment in St Helier’s retail environment is significant both for the company and the community. It was important to us to create a visually striking focal point at the New Street entrance that will invite and welcome visitors to the store. Pippa Barrow has produced a work of art that reflects our proud tradition of delivering an exceptional retail experience and products of the highest quality.”