Auction for rainbow cow launched at Bamburgh Castle to raise money for NHS Charities

Florence, a rainbow Highland Cow, is the work of television personality and artist Kev Paxton of ArtFe.

She was initially commissioned by nurses at the Sick Kids hospital in Edinburgh in remembrance of a colleague who passed away in 2017.

But ArtFe and the nurses at Sick Kids felt that Flo, as she’s affectionately known, could do her bit to help raise vital funds for NHS Charities during the Covid-19 pandemic by being auctioned.

The auction was launched at Bamburgh Castle to coincide with Chelsea Flower Show, taking place virtually this week, and where ArtFe were due to be exhibiting.

Bamburgh Castle was bought and rebuilt in the 19th century by William Armstrong who made donations to hospitals including Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. After his death, his heir William Watson Armstrong gave the equivalent of £11million to the rebuilding of the RVI.

Catherine Stops of ArtFe said: “Flo represents all of the care and commitment, the good will and positive energy that the NHS have shown in the last few months. It’s a very uplifting piece. It makes people smile and she’s rainbow coloured, the symbol of support for people wanting to show solidarity with NHS staff on the front line.

“I’m sure Flo will make a fantastic addition to someone’s garden or home and bring them colour all year round.”

The auction will end on Saturday, May 23 at 6pm. To find out more or place a bid visit: https://www.givergy.com/listing/nhs-charities-together/Rainbow-coo-sculpture

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