Bullring bull sketches found under bed to be sold

A discovery of original sketches for one of Birmingham's most recognisable public sculptures is set to be auctioned after being found tucked away under a bed in a Cambridgeshire home.

The portfolio of drawings were the working designs for the 4.5m long giant bronze bull outside the Bullring.

The collection was revealed by family at the home of sculptor Laurence Broderick, who died in April 2024, aged 88.

Stephen Drake from Batemans Auctioneers said he was visiting to assess other related works, and it was a "fantastic moment" when the portfolio was "pulled from under the bed".

"Having done this job of auctioneer and valuer for over 27 years it is moments like this that make my job the best one in the world," he said.

In the collection are the original sketches for the bull, complete with handwritten notes by Broderick indicating which design he ultimately chose.

The lot comprises of 14 signed A2 sketches, each dated July 2001 and individually numbered.

The final sheet, with the label "14th drawing and it was the drawing I decided to make," reveals the chosen design that would go on to be transformed into the Bullring statue.

The bronze, officially titled The Guardian, was erected in 2003, as the focal point of the city's then new shopping centre.

Shortly after its unveiling, Mr Broderick described it as a "gateway emblem for Birmingham throughout history".

"The objective of the sculpture is to reflect the characteristics of the trade and the market place that are synonymous with the bull," he said.

The work would ultimately go on to inspire the city's raging bull, later named Ozzy, which thousands of people turned out to visit after it starred in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The archive also includes 34 photographs of the maquette, the smaller-scale model used in preparation for the full sculpture.

"The family have decided that these items need to be shared and not kept under the bed or in a loft any more," said the auctioneer.

The portfolio is being offered for sale by the family of the late Ingrid Christa Broderick, the artist’s wife.

It will take place at Batemans Auctioneers in Stamford, Lincolnshire on Saturday 7 March at 10:00 GMT.

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