The Old English Longhorn Bull.

Stamford was the first place in England known to have carried out bull-running and records of the town show they date back to 1209. The story goes that The Stamford Bull Run began when the owner of the estate of Stamford, William de Warenne, saw a bull running wild in the town. The bull is a spiritual symbol of perseverance, strength and prosperity.

'I was taken by truck driven by the stockman of the Knepp Estate right into the heart of the herd in Spring. This 8 year old male had the most powerful presence,I was immediately struck by the immense bulk of his shoulder muscle, and the grace of his quick movements-despite his heft, he almost glided across the grass and at quite a pace. His patterning I knew would work beautifully in charcoal, and I immediately imagined working out replicating his course textures of coat and bristle, with the depths of his black lagoon-like lashed eye and whiskers… my senses excited from the moment I saw him.

The scale and intricate patterning of this bull made it an intense draw over the weeks, which at times I found very moving. I was completely absorbed in the moment of working out the layers and capturing the textures whilst feeling the ancient breed stretching back through the centuries, there was something particularly historic, whilst further back to the prehistoric realms of his ancestors-I felt the connection.

Coupled with that a feeling of responsibility to record him and celebrate the breed which I did in gratitude - he felt iconic and to be adored - I couldn’t remember how I drew him, but could see the beauty in front of me. I give thanks for the honour of seeing and feeling and exploring and the space to understand how to draw such an immense and beautiful animal.' - Lucy Boydell

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