Statue to be created for fundraising dog
Passers-by will be able to donate to local charities at Snips' statue
A Sealyham terrier, well-known in the 1950s for his fundraising efforts, is to be honoured in Lincoln with a bronze statue.
The local dog, named Snips, became well-known after his owner, Henry Tyler, raised over £100,000 in today’s money by charging people a penny to stroke him. Money raised went to local causes, including flood relief and tea parties for pensioners.
Snips was recognised by the city council and other organisations in the 1950s, receiving numerous awards. His collar and medals later joined Lincoln’s civic insignia.
However he will now be immortalised with a bronze statue on a plinth, which will sit in the Cornhill Market, in Lincoln’s city centre.
The idea came from Lincoln Free Walking Tour, which had been sharing Snips’ story with their visitors. The tour leaders started a petition to make a statue of Snips a permanent fixture on their tour.
Lincolnshire Co-op soon offered funding and resources to the project, with the City of Lincoln Council allotting a space in the Cornhill Market for the statue.
In honour of Snips’ legacy, passers-by will be able to continue to contribute to local charities at his statue by tapping their card on a donation point.
With planning permission granted, and the materials ordered, the bronze statue will be crafted by artist Richard Ison. It is expected to be in place mid-2024.
Brant Clayton, co-founder of Lincoln Free Walking Tour, said: “Obtaining listed building consent for the statue of Snips within the historic Cornhill Market is fantastic news.
“We have been working up to this point for the last two years; and to now be able to move forward with the statue being produced by the talented Richard Ison and installed on its plinth means we will soon be able to share this wonderful story with everyone.”
Ben James, from Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “We’re excited to move forward on this project, and to eventually see the story of Snips bought to life for everyone to admire.”
Image © Lincolnshire Co-op
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