A SUPERSTORE is backing an event to mark the 50th anniversary of Colchester Zoo.

Sainsbury’s, in Tollgate, Stanway, has opted to sponsor a 2.5m giraffe sculpture as part of the Stand Tall for Giraffes art project.

The event will see about 30 model giraffes displayed around Colchester from June 2.

From more than 100 submissions, the supermarket chose an Indian-inspired theme from artist Anne Schwegmann-Fielding entitled Sarasvati.

 

The design has been made using a mosaic of recycled items including crockery, mirrors, coins and jewels.

Andy Robinson, Sainsbury’s store manager, said: “We loved Anne’s design and thought it would look stunning on a 2.5 metre sculpture.

“We particularly liked the inclusion of stars to represent Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, which of course was written in Colchester.”

Sculptor Anne, who is based in Colchester, is an internationally renowned mosaic artist who has won several awards and appeared on numerous television programmes.

Her work is in private and public collections around the world.

She said: “I gave my giraffe design an Eastern twist having enjoyed a residency in India.

“Time spent with artisans in Gujurat added to my love of decoration and embellishment, the result of which can be seen in my Sarasvati concept.”

She added: “I’m thrilled that my design was chosen by Sainsbury’s and that the giraffe will be enjoyed by so many people in Colchester.