An unusual canine guest will be taking up residence at Crowne Plaza Newcastle-Stephenson Quarter as the hotel and its developer, Clouston Group, show their support for St Oswald’s Great North Snowdogs Trail.
A giant snowdog sculpture, designed and painted by Newcastle-based visual artist, Louise Bradley, will take its place outside the hotel on the city’s Forth Street from September 19, for ten weeks as part of the event which is inspired by the Raymond Briggs creation, The Snowman and the Snowdog.
A trail map and dedicated app will encourage people to become tourists in their own city, collecting points as they discover each of the 60 colourful canines on display across the North East.
When the trail ends, the sculptures will be auctioned off at an event in December with all proceeds going towards supporting children with incurable conditions.
Andrew Fox, general manager at Crowne Plaza Newcastle-Stephenson Quarter, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting St Oswald’s Hospice Children’s Service and taking part in the Great North Snowdogs Trail.
“It’s a fantastic way to support a great local charity while helping to attract thousands of visitors to the area. The snowdog will certainly be the most unusual guest we’ve had stay with us and I’m sure at ten weeks, will hold the record for the longest residency!
“We chose Louise’s design as we think it will have a wide appeal to the business people, families and children who visit the hotel. We’re looking forward to its arrival in September and welcoming those who take part in the Snowdogs Trail.”
Louise Bradley, a professional visual artist based at 36 Lime Street Studios in Ouseburn, added: “Snowdogs is such a great project to be involved with. It’s fantastic to be able to create a piece of art for the public to enjoy and at the same time support St Oswald’s Children Service.
“I’ve chosen a bright colourful design which is inspired by plants; the way they grow and their colours, shapes and forms. To give an Autumnal feel, I’ve painted the snowdog with seasonal plants in beautiful seasonal colours. I’m pleased with how it’s all coming together and can’t wait for it to go on display.”
The snowdog will be on display from Monday 19 September. You can find it outside the Crowne Plaza Newcastle-Stephenson Quarter hotel, Hawthorn Square, Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne.