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Join us for a celebration of Priscilla, a life-size Gypsy cob horse forged in steel by artist-blacksmith Jake Bowers. Created as part of the National Trust’s Changing Chalk project, Priscilla honours the Gypsies, Travellers, and diverse communities who have lived and worked on the South Downs.
Based on a real horse named Winnie (owned by the artist’s sister), Priscilla toured over 1,000 miles across Britain, inviting the public to forge parts of her mane, tail, and feet. Now returned to the South Downs, she stands proudly on campus as a symbol of connection and heritage.
Celebration Day: Saturday 8th November
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Outside the Jubilee Building & Room G31
You’ll also have the unique opportunity to try traditional blacksmithing yourself - book a 15-minute slot to hand forge alongside Jake Bowers at his travelling forge.
Snacks, teas, coffees, and drinks will be provided throughout the day in Jubilee Room G31, so feel free to stay, chat, and enjoy the activities.
Drop-in Activities
- Watch the artist work with students to hand forge on a mobile blacksmithing forge
- Learn about the chalk grasslands on your doorstep
- Ribbon tying in Romani flag colours
- Refreshments & artist’s film in Room G31
Sign up to reserve your spot for the blacksmithing sessions on Ticket Tailor.
This event is made possible with support from the Changing Chalk project – a landscape-scale partnership led by the National Trust, connecting nature, people and heritage on and around the South Downs. The project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and by The Linbury Trust.