The Ox by Olivia Musgrave
Oxford, GB
Rating: 4.8 ★ (13 ratings)
Details
The Ox by Olivia Musgrave is a striking bronze sculpture, over three metres tall, prominently situated outside Oxford railway station, adjacent to the Said Business School. This majestic artwork depicts an English Longhorn ox crossing water, a powerful symbol reflecting the very origin of Oxford's name. It stands as an iconic public emblem, greeting arrivals to the city with a sense of its rich history and enduring character.
The impressive sculpture showcases detailed bronze craftsmanship, having been modelled on the ancient English Longhorn, the oldest breed of cattle in the country. Commissioned by the Said Business School in 2001 to mark its opening, the artwork provides a meaningful focal point for visitors. Viewing the statue is a free, outdoor experience, and it can be woven into a broader exploration of the city's public art, including other ox sculptures found around Oxford as part of the OxTrail installations.
This landmark is particularly well-suited for visitors arriving by train, offering an immediate connection to Oxford's heritage. It appeals to those with an interest in public art, local history, and the symbolism behind a city's identity, providing a reflective moment on Oxford's past and present. The Ox serves as a welcoming beacon, enhancing any visit by offering an accessible and relatable piece of the city's cultural tapestry.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hours; Thursday: Open 24 hours; Friday: Open 24 hours; Saturday: Open 24 hours; Sunday: Open 24 hours
Contact
https://statues.vanderkrogt.net/object.php?webpage=ST&record=gbse161
Comments
The sculpture possesses a wonderful sense of quiet strength and solidity. Musgrave’s style captures the animal’s powerful form with a smooth, tactile simplicity, focusing on the heavy shoulders and patient, bowed head. There is a placid, enduring quality to its presence that offers a charming counterpoint to the scholarly frenzy of the surrounding university.
For me, its charm lies in its accessible symbolism and tactile invitation. The ox is a traditional symbol of learning and perseverance, making its location in a city of academia deeply apt. Over the years, its nose and horns have been polished to a bright shine by the countless hands of passersby—a testament to its popularity and the human instinct to interact with it, bestowing a kind of communal luck or connection.
It is not a monumental or challenging work of art, but a successful and endearing civic ornament. It grounds its historic surroundings with a touch of earthy, organic form, providing a perfect photo opportunity and a small, familiar landmark. A delightful, unassuming fixture that adds a note of gentle, steadfast character to Oxford's storied streets.