Location
Turriff corner of Main St and High St. Close
Turriff, Aberdeenshire
Date
2010
Description
A life size bronze cow decorated with cast garlands and a rope halter, behind the cow is a series of cast cow footprints. On the right flank in slightly raised and differently coloured metal representing the painted lettering on the historical "Turra Coo" at her return, are the words "FREE !! DIVN'T YE WISH THAT YE WERE ME". The sculpture was created by a casting process from an actual cow's body. The historical coo was an Ayrshire cross Shorthorn, no suitable cow of that variety could be obtained so the animal used, a Jersey-Blonde cross, was picked as similar looking to photographs of the original beast. Also illustrated are examples of the "Coo Heads" created by Turriff Academy pupils during the education package associated with the sculpture project and exhibited in the town shops during the month of the unveiling.
Related Information
The Sculpture is an end result of a long running project initiated by Turriff Tourism Action Group (TTAG). The artists also conducted a series of arts-led public events and a comprehensive arts-based education programme to raise awareness and understanding of the project and embrace public ownership of the sculpture.
In 1911, Lloyd George, the Liberal Prime Minister, brought in National Insurance legislation. Robert Paterson of Lendrum Farm refused to comply. He maintained he looked after his employees. To pay the imposed fine, a white cow was impounded, to be sold in the market place in Turriff. The cow was brought to the Square, be-ribbonned and painted with the words "LENDRUM TO LEEKS" a reference to Lloyd George's Welsh roots. A riot ensued! Sherriff's officers were pelted with eggs, soot, neeps, cabbages, divots and kail stumps by a mob of a thousand. The Coo escaped, only to be taken to the Mart in Aberdeen, to be bought by local farmers and brought back to her home at Lendrum, where she died 6 years later. A memorial to her, and the events which led to the formation of the Scottish Farm Servants' Union can be seen at Lendrum Farm. from http://www.turriffanddistrict.com/
The sculpture was unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond in a ceremony on 20th November 2010.
Era
2000s
Information Source
Http://www.turriffanddistrict.com/, Press & Journal
Related Artefacts
Categories
Iconography
- bull or cow
Creators
- Charles Engebretsen, Artist
- David Blyth, Artist
- Ginny Hutchison, Artist
External Links
Photographer
- David Watson Hood
Unavailable Data
- OS Map Reference
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