Arts Council England Press Office

Shauna’s project Lionheart will feature three 30ft hand crocheted lions in a huge taxidermy style case.  They will dominate an East Midlands location. The lions will be powerful, realistic sculptures that depict qualities associated with the lion symbol and the Olympics - unity, grace, speed, strength, courage, dignity and pride.

The project was selected by an independent panel of artists and producers from the five projects shortlisted in August, from a total of 118 regional entries.  

Shauna’s inspiration is taken from Richard the Lionheart, who had a strong association with the region, and his unique coat of arms, the three lions. When Richard was being held hostage in France, profits from British wool produced the lion’s share of the ransom paid for his release. Shauna hopes to use Derbyshire Peak District wool, historically the region’s most important export.

Lionheart will involve people of all ages in every aspect of the project, from witnessing the creation of the lions via a Lionheart webcam, to studio visits, participatory activities across the region, and finally interacting with the completed installation.

Shauna lives in Stoughton, Leicestershire, and describes herself as a ‘crochetdermist.’ She uses the world of curiosity, Victorian taxidermy and the endangered craft of crochet to sculpt realistic life-size animals.

The location for displaying Lionheart has still to be finalised.  The lions’ bodies will be created by a professional polystyrene sculptor.  Each will be positioned in a different pose; one on its rear legs, in a leaping position.

As sections are produced they will receive crochet ‘skins’ which will be created by Shauna personally, using wool and hook.  It is estimated this will take around two years. Through the sensational use of a traditional skill, Shauna also wishes to highlight crochet as a valid contemporary medium, hoping to educate and inspire a new generation of practitioners and introduce a new audience to art.

While studying fine art at De Montfort University, Leicester, Shauna’s practice was conceptual and questioning art drove her work.

“I came to believe that maybe anything could be art – maybe a gesture, or an empty space.  I now use realism and traditional craft to explore this theory.

“The opportunity created by Artists taking the lead is extraordinary.  This is a truly exciting invitation to think big and create something spectacular that will celebrate our heritage and put each region and nation squarely on the map.”

Peter Knott, Director Arts and Development with Arts Council England, East Midlands, said: “We considered Lionheart to be the best proposal as it is unique and on a grand scale.  This monumental work will be striking and engaging.  Its sheer audacity as an object of art will make it stand out and create considerable interest.

“It will celebrate the region’s cultural, industrial and historical heritage while inspiring thoughts about our relationship with other nations and cultures – thereby meeting Olympic ideals.”

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said: “The winning commissions will be the catalyst for a truly national showcase of culture inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Each project will explore the nation and region’s creativity as part of a UK-wide celebration of London 2012.”

Lionheart  is one of 12 commissions that will be realised across the UK over the next three years, each inspired by their location and celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There is one commission for each of the nine English regions and the nations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.