2 days ago
New three-metre high Ram sculpture unveiled at entrance to historic Cumbrian market town
A new sculpture has been unveiled at the entrance to Kirkby Lonsdale, marking a new landmark for the historic Cumbrian market town.
The three-metre-high steel ram, created and donated by renowned local artist Andy Kay, now stands on the roundabout near Booth's supermarket on the A65.
Andy, who runs Andrew Kay Sculpture from Beckside Studio just outside the town, gifted the sculpture to thank the community for supporting his business over the past three decades.
Andy said: 'There's been a really positive response. I hope it brings a little joy to people and becomes a symbol of civic pride and community spirit, especially after the devastating fire last December.'
The ram, chosen for its local symbolism, reflects the town's agricultural heritage, former drovers' roads, and connections to the nearby Yorkshire Dales. It also mirrors the emblem of the town's rugby club.
The installation was completed in just five hours with the help of several local companies.
A ten-tonne stone plinth was donated by Heidelberg Quarry and positioned by Bravo Power Limited, while G Mackereth and Son prepared the ground. 22 tonnes of topsoil were added to form a mound around the sculpture, which will be seeded with wildflowers.
Cllr Mike Marczynski of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council, who helped facilitate the project, praised Andy's work saying: 'It's powerful, it's alive—it's a magnificent gift to the town.'
Andy said: 'I try to capture the essence of each animal—the moment they come to life.
'With the Kirkby Lonsdale ram, I hope it becomes a joyful, lasting part of the town's identity.'
