Wild in Art is excited to reveal that, in collaboration with Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK) and St Oswald’s Hospice, it will be bringing one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature to life – Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit™ – as a captivating new sculpture.

This charming sculpture will be the star attraction of a brand new art trail launching in Newcastle in 2026. It marks the fourth Wild in Art event in support of St Oswald’s Hospice, following the success of Great North Snowdogs, Elmer’s Great North Parade, and Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne.

The much-loved character was first imagined by Beatrix Potter in 1893, when she sent a picture letter to her former governess’ son Noel, which tells the story of a mischievous rabbit called Peter. Since then, The Tale of Peter Rabbit (published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1902) has never been out of print and Peter Rabbit has become a star of not only literature, but also television and film, and continues to be known and adored by generations of families.

Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne will see more than 40 individually decorated sculptures of the character placed in streets, parks, and public areas of Newcastle and North Tyneside from Wednesday 15 July to Monday 14 September 2026.

Tales on the Tyne will also be supported by a region-wide learning programme for schools and children’s groups with smaller Peter Rabbit sculptures forming a second trail across the city.

As with the Elmer, Snowdogs and Shaun the Sheep, the event will culminate with an autumn auction of the Peter Rabbit sculptures to raise funds to support St Oswald’s Hospice’s work across its north east community.

St Oswald’s Hospice Chief Executive Steph Edusei said:

“The trail will showcase the wealth of artistic talent in the area, whilst positively contributing to the economic, social and cultural life of the region in a year where St Oswald’s will mark a special anniversary. But above all it will be fun, and our way of saying thank you to the people of this region for all the love and support they have shown St Oswald’s Hospice.

Summer 2026 will see us celebrate our 40th birthday and we can’t think of better way to mark the occasion than another colourful art trail for the whole community to enjoy.”

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art added:

“We are delighted to partner with The World of Peter Rabbit™ and to be working with the team at St Oswald’s Hospice once again, on this exciting art trail which will bring this internationally renowned character to Tyneside. I have no doubt that Peter Rabbit will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike, while helping to raise vital funds for St Oswald’s. With your support we can create an event that will have significant impact during the summer of 2026.”

Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne has been produced under license from Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co. (owner of THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT™ and today an imprint of Penguin Random House Children’s).

Thomas Merrington, Creative Director, Penguin Ventures said:

“Beatrix Potter was an incredible artist as well as a prolific storyteller and Peter Rabbit has been charming children and their families since 1902. We are delighted that Wild in Art will be bringing her most iconic character alive, through a series of incredible local artists, in a trail that we are sure will delight and inspire the residents of Newcastle – as well as raise valuable funds for St Oswald’s.”

Natasha Collie, Head of Marketing (Owned Brands) at Penguin Random House Children’s said:

“It’s a real pleasure to be working with St Oswald’s Hospice and Wild in Art on Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne.  2026 also marks the 160th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth, so this bold and joyful celebration of art – in support of St Oswald’s incredible work – feels especially fitting. We can’t wait for Peter Rabbit to bring a whisker of mischief to next summer’s trail!”