PAWS-itivity campaign gets a big boost from a mystery local artist and a new sponsor

Suffolk Libraries biggest ever fundraising campaign has been given a massive boost this week with the donation of artwork created by the mystery artist, ‘The Hat’.

PAWS-itivity will see colourful dog sculptures in all of the county’s libraries this summer. The ‘Library Labradors’ will all feature designs individually created by local artists.

To support the campaign, The Hat has generously created and donated a wonderful piece of Labrador-shaped artwork called Cyril, wearing a signature style hat. Suffolk Libraries are hoping the sale of the artwork will boost the total money raised when this and the dog sculptures are auctioned at Trinity Park on 12 October.

The Hat stated on his Instagram page:

“Cyril … is one of a kind as he has got a WHITE HAT [artist signature] …. I rarely do those …. Normally black hat … Good luck ….!!!”

Cyril will join the other Library Labradors on display at Suffolk’s libraries this summer. The sculptures will make their first appearance together at the Suffolk Show. Artists from all over the county are getting involved by applying their designs to the sculptures in the coming months.

Another boost for Suffolk Libraries is that auctioneers Clarke and Simpson have kindly offered to waive their fee to carry out the October PAWS-itivity auction.

Hayden Foster from Clarke and Simpson, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting Suffolk Libraries by selling original artwork donated by the Hat and later in the year the Labrador sculptures.  Since the pandemic we have been privileged to sell many works by the Hat on behalf of a number of local worthwhile causes, while the identity of the artist remains a mystery his generosity in painting and donating these works is undiminished and demand to own a unique piece of art from this illusive artist continues.”

You can follow the latest updates and PAWS-itivity photos via Instagram and Facebook at @pawsitivity_tails and get more information about sponsorship on our website.

Emma Freud, Executive Producer of Comic Relief and one of Suffolk Libraries new patrons is fully supporting the PAWS-itivity campaign saying, “Suffolk Libraries are a way to stop things getting to crisis, a way to create a system of community, a preventative measure.”

Emma is donating memorabilia from her film, ‘Yesterday to also be auctioned along with a sculpture designed by Anne-Marie Byrne that will have a Beatles-inspired theme to it.

Bestselling author Anthony Horowitz has also got behind PAWS-itivity, saying:

“I was visiting the library in Stonegrove, Middlesex when I was nine years old and that's where my reading journey began. Suffolk libraries, like dogs, are for life!”

Anthony has kindly offered to sign another sculpture that is going to be created by local artist Sharon Teague based on his book Magpie Murders. Sharon also starred as an extra in the forthcoming television adaptation of the book which airs in the Spring.

Suffolk Libraries are also delighted to announce chartered accountants and business advisors Larking Gowen as the latest sponsors of PAWS-itivity, joining motor traders John Grose.

Giles Kerkham, Partner for Not for Profit and Education at Larking Gowen, said:

“Many of us have used the local libraries throughout the region with our families and participated in Suffolk Libraries' events. We value local connections and being part of this region. Supporting Pawsitivity means supporting the fantastic work that Suffolk Libraries do in promoting community spirit and providing access to literacy and wellbeing support. It's important to us as a local firm to give back to the community that we're embedded in.”