LV= unveils charity sculpture designed by local art student

LV= was given a unique opportunity to collaborate with the Bournemouth Arts University student to create its sculpture design, selecting third year Illustration undergraduate, Lily Skipp, from Basingstoke, as its preferred artist due to her creative and colourful style.  

The mermaid tail, which will be located on Bournemouth’s seafront, features an oceanic theme in LV’s well recognised colours.

The Julia’s House Great Tail Trail, launching on 5 April and running until 1 June, will feature more than 45 giant mermaid tail sculptures displayed across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Each sculpture has been uniquely designed by a different artist and sponsored by a local business, bringing together creativity, community spirit and charitable giving.

As well as sponsoring a mermaid tail, LV= is also the sponsor of the trail’s Learner Programme. As part of the programme local schools, nurseries and community groups have designed and painted their own 65 Tiny Tails, which can be found in indoor locations, including leisure centres, libraries and the Julia's House charity shops in Poole, Creekmoor, Wallisdown, Westbourne and Christchurch.

 

Harry Hanscomb, Chief Operating Officer at LV=, said:

“At LV=, we are committed to supporting our local communities and making a lasting impact. It has been a great experience working with Lily, and we are very impressed by her talent. On behalf of everyone at LV=, I extend our heartfelt thanks.

“We’re delighted to play a part in this fantastic project, helping raise critical funds and awareness for Julia’s House, a charity we have proudly supported for many years. Our 2025 fundraising challenge will see Team LV= attempt to find all the tails on the trail to raise even more for the charity - we’re really looking forward to it.”  

Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser at Julia’s House, said:

“LV= has been a fantastic supporter of Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire Children’s Hospices, for a number of years. The mer-mazing LV= team will be hands on for the trail, helping with the delivery of Tiny Tails to their trail locations and taking part too. Thank you to everyone at LV= for the incredible support they continue to give.” 

23-year-old Arts University Bournemouth Illustration student, Lily Skipp, said:

 

“I’m thrilled to have collaborated with LV= on its mermaid tail sculpture. When the opportunity arose through the university, I jumped at the chance. 

“This project has been an incredible experience, allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and create something truly special. I’m very proud of the tail that I have designed, and very grateful that the project offered a unique opportunity to try something new.

“As such a well-known and respected brand, it’s an honour to have LV= sponsor my design, and I’m proud to be a part of a project that supports such a fantastic cause."  

Visit LV’s website to read more about its community and charity activity.

To find out more about the Great Tail Trail, visit the Julia’s House website.