Member Article

Hendos joins Sheffield stampede in aid of children's charity

Welcome to Hendophant, a proud and colourful member of the giant herd of elephants who are helping to raise money for Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital.

Hendophant has been commissioned by Henderson’s, makers of the legendary Henderson’s Relish, and painted by talented Sheffield artist Matt Cockayne.

Hendophant is part of the Herd of Sheffield, which is descending on the city on July 11 in an imaginative initiative by The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Patrick Byrne, general manager of Henderson’s, Yorkshire’s best-kept secret, explained: “Our elephant goes on display opposite our old factory on Leavygreave Road. We are proud to be taking part in one of the biggest mass-participation art events in Sheffield’s history.

“We will be hosting a celebratory event, in conjunction with the University of Sheffield, at Jessop West café in Leavygreave Road, where there will be 100 signed and numbered limited edition prints of Matt Cockayne’s Hendophant on sale at £15, together with 1,000 bottles of specially-themed Hendophant Henderson’s Relish (£3) and a number of popular Henderson’s merchandise. All proceeds go to The Children’s Hospital Charity.

“The launch will take place on Thursday July 14th from 4.00pm to 8.00pm and there will be Henderson-themed nibbles and refreshments. It promises to be a very special occasion and we look forward to welcoming friends and customers, old and new, to help raise money for such a worthwhile charity,” said Patrick.

He added: “I would like to thank Matt for his tremendous work. He is one of so many great artists in Sheffield who have created some iconic images and homages to our Relish.” Overall The Herd of Sheffield will feature a sculpture trail of more than 50 beautiful and bespoke painted elephants.

Rebecca Staden, fundraising manager at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said the trail could boost the economy, while raising much-needed funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. She said: “It will bring together schools, companies and businesses from all sectors to create inspiring partnerships and reinforce Sheffield’s status as a vibrant and culturally exciting city.

“The Herd will unite communities, bring thousands of people into the city centre and drive business to the local economy. Other similar projects in cities across the country have seen a huge increase in footfall on the High Street, with economies boosted as a result. The Herd will do just that, while making a lasting contribution to the future of Sheffield Children’s Hospital by raising considerable funds.”

Following the trail, the sculptures will be auctioned off in October 2016, to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Charity. Elephants have been selected for the project, being presented in partnership with Wild in Art, to celebrate the city’s industrial heritage. 2016 will mark 100 years since Lizzie the elephant was used in the steel industry to help with the war effort.

Meanwhile Sheffield-born Matt Cockayne has been splashing Hendo’s on his dinner, tea and supper for as long as he can remember. Originally he trained as a sign writer at Castle College, before working his way up through the design and print industry over the past 15 years and finally setting up his own design label and becoming a self-employed artist in April 2013.

Patrick Byrne explained: “Matt’s art has expanded from an Original Henderson’s-themed collection to football-themed art and a very Sheffield feel in general, Matt is very much a lad of the city.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .