TV personality Matt Lucas has designed a giant multi-coloured sculpture as part of a new art trail in Haringey, to commemorate his friend’s son who died from cancer.
He designed and also signed the plinth of the 6ft-tall owl in Alexandra Palace in north London as a tribute to Jack, his friend Grant Morgan’s son, who passed away at 22 years old from a rare strain of the disease.
Named “Jack” to preserve his memory, the sculpture is one of 30 giant owls which feature on the Big Fun Art Adventure, a trail created in partnership with producers Wild in Art to raise awareness and funds for the North London Hospice, where Jack was cared for.
The enormous owls, each uniquely designed by a local artist or celebrity, are hidden in plain sight across north London, highlighting famous locations like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as well as local favourites like Alexander Palace.
Reflecting on his participation, Lucas said: “I’m very flattered to have been asked to design an owl for North London Hospice in honour of the amazing work they do.
"Like Jack, it is full of colour, life, hope and brightness. It carries on Jack’s great work, reminds people who he was and what he did. Jack is still with us.”
Matt Lucas signing his owl, designed in memory of his friend's son Jack (Photo: Ian Kiffin)
The public art project was organised by the North London Hospice to raise awareness of the charity, which provides free end-of-life care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for their families.
Owls were chosen for the art trail because hospice staff, like owls, “work tirelessly throughout the night”, supporting patients and healthcare professionals, said the project’s coordinators.
Grant Morgan, father of Jack, is calling on the public to support the sculpture trail to raise awareness of the important care North London Hospice provides. He said: “Jack was diagnosed with an incredibly rare cancer and our family experienced the exceptional care and devotion of the hospice.
He said that palliative medical consultant Dr Jo Brady “was a phenomenal support and shining light to us all during those very dark days, and for that, we shall be forever grateful. We will always remember the support the hospice provided. The team were there for us when we needed them.”
Matt Lucas with his owl, Jack, which is part of the Big Fun art Adventure (Photo: Ian Kiffin)
Members of the public can use an app or a paper map to search for the vibrant artworks, which are available to peruse until the last day of the trial on October 13.
Before the owls disappear, there will be an opportunity to wish them goodbye at an auction event to raise urgent funds for the North London Hospice, which needs help to reach its annual running costs of more than £16 million.
Football fans should look out for the Tottenham and Arsenal-themed sculptures, as well as a delightfully designed owl by children’s author Rob Biddulph.
Joining the 30 outdoor owls, 22 smaller owlets are being hosted in indoor locations, designed by school children and community groups from Barnet, Enfield and Haringey to celebrate the diverse culture of north London.
The multi-coloured art trail marks the first mass participation event of its kind in north London.
For further information and to download the app, click here
