Moo-ve over: Morley butcher’s giant cow sculpture gets Leeds United transformation

A giant cow has been given a striking Leeds United makeover by a local artist for a Morley butcher.

Artist Nicolas Dixon was commissioned by Phil Williamson, owner of Bennett’s Butchers, to transform the unusual sculpture into a tribute to Leeds United football club and the butcher’s trade.

The sculpture previously stood outside Phil’s butchers painted entirely in gold.

Wanting to give it a new lease of life, Phil approached Nicolas with the idea of creating something that reflected his love of Leeds United, his business and the town or Morley.

The pair were introduced through a mutual friend before meeting for a drink to discuss the project.

Phil said he wanted the artwork to feature Leeds United colours, different cuts of meat and something that people would want to stop and take pictures with.

But he left the creative work largely in Nicolas’ hands and did not see the finished sculpture until its unveiling this morning (November 13).

The result features Leeds United colours across the cow, with a smiley club badge on its snout.

It also displays illustrations of different cuts of meat, including ribeye and sirloin, celebrating the butcher’s trade and showing people more about where their food comes from.

Nicolas, who previously created his ‘Chrysler Redeemer’ mural featuring former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa, said the project came with an unexpected problem.

He initially planned to paint the sculpture at his home in Farsley but soon discovered it was far too big to get inside.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I thought, foolishly enough I’d be able to get it in the house, but it’s a full-sized cow.”

Instead, the cow spent several days in his front garden, where it attracted plenty of attention from passing motorists.

Nicolas said people were stopping to take pictures, with phones out as they drove past, before he eventually found somewhere suitable to complete the work.

Phil said he was thrilled when he finally saw the finished piece, having had no idea exactly what it would look like.

He told the YEP: “I hadn’t seen it until it was unveiled and when the cover came off I thought, ‘Wow, that is awesome’.

“For a butcher who is a Leeds fan, it’s absolutely fantastic.”

He was so impressed with the result that he insisted the sculpture was not going anywhere.

“It’s absolutely not for sale at any price.

“Somebody could give me £20,000 for it and I still wouldn’t sell it.”

And the unusual sculpture could soon be making appearances further afield, with Phil planning to add wheels and football boots so he can take it to Elland Road on matchdays.

He hopes supporters will be able to have their pictures taken with it, while also receiving a 10% discount on their first online order from Bennetts Butchers.

Phil also hopes the artwork will become an attraction in its own right, encouraging more people to visit Morley and support its independent businesses.

He said: “Hopefully it will bring people to the high street and help all the other businesses too.

“Morley is a great town and it’s still a thriving little place. I think this is something pretty unique that will give a bit back to the people of Morley.”