It has been a ram-tastic summer of art in Derby with an amazing array of wonderfully decorated rams animating the city as people started to get out and about again. The Derby Ram Trail has been embraced by the people of Derby and visitors alike and now everyone will have an extra few days to enjoy them as the trail has been extended until the end of Wednesday 25 August.
After that there will then be one last chance to see them all together as the Ram-union Weekend that is being held from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 September at the Museum and Art Gallery. This will be a chance to celebrate the end of the Ram Trail and say goodbye to all the rams before they ram-pede to auction to raise funds for Derby Museums. This is an excellent opportunity to see them all in one place, take snapshots or selfies and share your stories with the rest of the with us using #DerbyRamTrail.
Tickets for the RamUnion Weekend are available on the Derby Museums website and as numbers are limited tickets are expected to sell out fast. Each day will also have a slot specially designated as a quiet session for those with autism or who need some additional space and quiet to enjoy this event. Thanks to Rolls-Royce and SENAD Group for making the Quiet Hours possible.
Following the Ram-union, there will then be the opportunity to give a ram a forever home by buying one at the Auction on Thursday 9 September. As well as having your own Ram you will also be helping to care for Derby’s important heritage to inspire our future generations, as proceeds from the Auction will be donated to Derby Museums’ Endowment.
Hosted at the new Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, this exciting evening will begin with a prosecco and canapé reception in the impressive surroundings of the Civic Hall, before guests are invited through to the Italian Mill to enjoy what is set to be a thrilling night. Renowned auctioneer Charles Hanson will then begin form proceedings, auctioning off the 30 large rams, be prepared for some competitive bidding!
In addition to offering a live event we are pleased to offer the opportunity for bidders and spectators to join online for a live-stream of the event and the option to register your interest to bid by proxy / telephone.
For more information and to register interest visit the Derby Ram Trail website.
Tony Butler, Executive Director, Derby Museums says:
“The public reaction to the Derby Ram Trail has just blown us away. We knew it offered something unique and was a great way to showcase the artistic talent we have in this region but it really seems to have captured people’s hearts.
“It had been a tough time for some many people so it was a real delight to see everyone out and about following the trail and we are really grateful to all of the local businesses who got behind this project and sponsored a ram, we couldn’t have done it without them.
“We are delighted to give everyone an extra few days to enjoy the Rams ahead of the Ram-union and them being eventually auctioned off to support the future work of Derby Museums. Don’t miss your chance to see them all gathered together and perhaps even own your own special artwork!”
Charlie Langhorne, Co-founder and Managing Director of Wild in Art says:
“We have been delighted with the public’s reaction and enthusiasm for the rams. After some really challenging times for us all, it is great to see people out and about enjoying the magnificent rams and stunning artwork. We hope that they have helped put a smile on the faces of the people of Derby and for the many visitors who have come to walk the trail.”
The Derby Ram Trail Auction is kindly supported by Penguin PR.
Simon Burch, Director of Penguin PR, says:
“It's brilliant to know that the rams have been so popular that people want more time to visit them before they are rounded up. Their popularity means that there will doubtless be huge interest and big bids from buyers at the auction next month. We're thrilled to be the auction sponsors and can't wait to enjoy the atmosphere when Derby's colourful street rams go under the hammer.”