OSJCT residents across Oxfordshire put their creative mark on a life-size ox sculpture as part of OxTrail, a major public art installation that captivated thousands of visitors this summer. The trail, organised by Sobell House Hospice with Wild in Art, featured a herd of 31 life-sized oxen sculptures and dozens of mini oxen displayed across the county.

The hospice selected the Trust’s design, titled ‘The Power of Hands’, from among 300 artist submissions. It stood out from the selected professional artist designs as the only collective creation, inspired by residents and carers in OSJCT’s Oxfordshire care homes who decorated the sculpture with their handprints. Each handprint tells a personal story, transforming the sculpture into a celebration of life, experience and comforting touch. The hands symbolise diversity, spirituality, friendship, unity. They tell individual stories, but also celebrate the power of hands to connect people. 

Residents and team members from all over the county visited a pop-up studio at Longlands, an OSJCT home in Oxford to decorate the sculpture. The painting and trips to see the trail gave residents something meaningful and fun to do.  It helped them feel happy, proud and good about themselves. Franka Toglia, who lives at Longlands, was among the first residents to make her mark. “The ox is amazing,” she said. “I had so much fun with my friends, putting our handprints on it.”

Participation in OxTrail also encouraged socialisation and interaction between sister homes in the county, with residents and colleagues arranging more visits to share meals together. OSJCT also forged new partnerships with key local businesses such as MINI UK and other artists involved in OxTrail. 

After the trail ended, the sculptures went under the hammer at a live auction led by TV celebrity auctioneer Thomas Forrester. Proceeds from the auction went to support Sobell House Hospice, ensuring the care home’s spirit will have a lasting impact on the wider local community.

Specialist practice IP Asset Partnership, one of OxTrail’s sponsors, bid on the Trust’s ox and then kindly donated the sculpture back to OSJCT. It now stands proudly in the garden at Longlands, for the daily enjoyment of all those who created it, alongside new residents and visitors.