A cherished sculpture honoring late heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has fallen victim to vandalism, leaving Birmingham residents upset and disappointed. The "Mr. Crowley" bull, affectionately nicknamed the "Ozzy bull" by locals, was damaged by vandals on Harborne High Street and has been temporarily removed for repairs.
The sculpture is part of Birmingham's ambitious "Bulls in the City" art trail, an immersive public art initiative featuring 40 larger-than-life bull sculptures strategically placed throughout Birmingham's city center and surrounding neighborhoods. The project, which runs through September, is a collaborative effort between Birmingham Hospice and the University of Birmingham, designed to create an adventurous trail for residents and visitors to explore while raising crucial funds for the hospice.
The Mr. Crowley bull has become a particularly meaningful focal point in Harborne Village, especially following the Black Sabbath frontman's death. The striking sculpture features distinctive purple and pink flamed hooves and showcases a detailed mural of Ozzy Osbourne on its side, making it an instant favorite among both locals and tourists visiting the area.
According to a hospice spokesperson who spoke with local media, the beloved sculpture was damaged on Tuesday, July 29, prompting its immediate removal from Harborne High Street. "It's upsetting that one of our beloved bulls has been damaged on the trail, but luckily we have fiberglass experts ready to repair the sculpture and we hope Mr. Crowley will be back on the trail very soon," the spokesperson explained.
Despite the temporary setback, the Bulls in the City initiative continues to operate at full capacity with 39 other large sculptures and 88 smaller sculptures currently displayed across Birmingham, Harborne, and Boldmere. Trail participants can still digitally "collect" the Mr. Crowley bull using app code 6294 while exploring the other installations.
The comprehensive art trail allows visitors to access detailed maps throughout the summer months to locate and admire each unique bull sculpture across the city. The exhibition is scheduled to conclude on September 14, coinciding with children's return to school. Visitors are actively encouraged to make donations to Birmingham Hospice while exploring the various bull installations.
Rebecca Richards, project lead for Bulls in the City, emphasized the initiative's broader impact on the local community and economy. "Bulls in the City will contribute directly to the growth of the local economy this summer, bringing a huge wave of tourism to our city during the trail – University of Birmingham will be a real driver behind this as our Presenting Partner," Richards stated. "This trail will not only bring enjoyment to local people and those traveling from further afield, but it will raise vital funds for Birmingham Hospice."
The vandalism incident has prompted a police investigation, with West Midlands Police responding promptly to the report. A police spokesperson confirmed their involvement: "We were called at around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday (July 29) to reports of criminal damage to statue on Harborne High Street. Officers have spoken to a number of witnesses and to local businesses and residents. We have also made inquiries around CCTV footage."
Authorities are actively seeking information from the public to help identify those responsible for the damage. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police at 101, quoting reference number 20/326205/25.
At the conclusion of the Bulls in the City trail, each sculpture will be auctioned off to maximize fundraising efforts for Birmingham Hospice, ensuring that the artistic initiative continues to benefit the local community long after the trail ends. The vandalism of the Mr. Crowley bull serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting public art installations that bring joy, cultural significance, and economic benefits to communities.
