The "Clasp" on Ross' Harness
This fits on Ross snugly, but it's not too tight.
Ross of Bien Esk
Wearing his new harness.
The Artificial Cow
Ross wasn't hugely interested in the artificial cow. We're packing it up this evening to bring it with us to Manchester tomorrow.
The Chrysler Imperial from Cremaster 3
The wrecked car from the demolition derby sequence in theCremaster 3film. This now stands at the centre of the stage in the Manchester Opera House as part of Matthew Barney'sGuardian of the Veil.
Adjusting Zuko's Harness
Adjusting Zuko's Harness
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Matthew Barney and Zuko
Testing the dog harness.
Digby Leading Ross out of the Stock Trailer
Behind the Manchester Opera House, getting ready for his stage debut.
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Digby Gribble with Ross of Bien Esk
Behind the Manchester Opera House.
Ross of Bien Esk Getting Ready to Enter the Manchester Opera House
His first experience on the ramp and on stage. Led by Digby Gribble, Grzegorz Bednarksi, and Artur Ivanyan --- with Jack Thompson standing safely to one side.
Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Ross of Bien Esk
Waiting behind the Manchester Opera House.
Grzegorz and Arthur Applying Gold Leaf
Ross just lay there and let the gold leaf be applied to his horns.
Ross of Bien Esk Heading Down the Ramp
Ross' first appearance at the Manchester Opera House. He walked down the ramp for the first time like a real pro.
Ross of Bien Esk on the Stage for the First Time
With Digby Gribble, Grzegorz Bednarski, and Artur Ivanyan.
Walking Ross on the Stage
At the Manchester Opera House --- we're told the first bull on the stage of a British theatre.
Ross on the Stage
At the Manchester Opera House. Ross was first walked onto the stage with no props, set, etc. The cable attached to the harness around Ross' chest was designed to stop him from running and falling into (say) the orchestra pit. But, in the final analysis, he was incredibly well-behaved.
Ross of Bien Esk on the Stage
With Jack Thompson looking on.
Stephen Ware Inspecting the Ramp
Stephen, the veterinarian, inspecting all aspects of the large ramp, built at the back of the stage so that Ross could enter and leave the Manchester Opera House.
Manchester International Festival Poster
This poster was on a derelict factory across the street (and canal) from my hotel, the City Inn in Manchester.
Digby Gribble Leads Ross Back to the Stage
With Jack Thompson looking on.
Behind the Manchester Opera House
Digby Gribble speaking with Stephen Ware, the independent veterinarian. Whenever Ross was in the theater, Stephen was in attendance. He also checked on Ross in the "secret location" beneath the Magistrates' Court. This small lane is where Ross (watched by his contingent of security guards) entered and exited the Manchester Opera House.
Ross Walks Up The Ramp
Up the ramp and out of the Manchester Opera House. Job done.
Ross Nearing the Stage of the Manchester Opera House
Walking down his purpose-built ramp for the first time.
The Chrysler Imperial and Cow Dummy
It was hoped that Ross would mount the white plastic cow dummy (covered with a cow hide during the performance ofGuardian of the Veil. A similar dummy was sent to us at Lucies Farm to see if Ross was "interested." He wasn't.
Ross Having a Scratch
Ross Having a Scratch
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf
Artur Ivanyan and Craig Looking at Ross
We brought Ross into the stable yard to polish and oil his horns and hooves, and to give him a nice shampoo before his trip to Manchester.
The Ramp at the Manchester Opera House
This was our first look at the large ramp built at the back of the stage of the Manchester Opera House for Ross' entrance and exit. Jack Thompson is at the top of the ramp with the "Daisy Lifter" --- a sling to remove Ross from the theater if he just wouldn't walk up the ramp. Of course, Ross was happy to use the ramp, so the "lifter" was not used.
Gregorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Gregorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Ross Wearing the Sun Disk
Part of his costume forGuardian of the Veil.
Ross Wearing The Sun Disk
Ross Wearing The Sun Disk
Waiting for His Cue
In the lane behind the Manchester Opera House, Ross of Bien Esk waits for his cue to go on stage. With Grzegorz, Artur, and Digby Gribble.
Ross Entering the Opera House
Ross about to come down the ramp for the first time with the Chrysler Imperial and actors on the stage.
Artur and Grzegorz In Their Costumes
At dress rehearsal we had a visit from the Manchester Police. They were concerned about guys in IRA uniforms hanging around the back of the Manchester Opera House --- with a bull.
Digby Gribble Taking Control of Ross
With Gregorz and Artur.
Ross Coming Downstage of the Chrysler Imperial
Digby Gribble firmly in control of Ross --- and with Ross performing like a trooper.
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf
Ross loves to be brushed, and also seems to love having gold leaf applied to his horns every evening.
Lise Marker Adjusting Grzegorz' Kilt
Getting the costumes ready forGuardian of the Veil.
Ross Coming Down the Ramp
For the first time with actors on the stage. Holding my breath!
The Orchestra at the Manchester Opera House
Some reading music, some reading the tabloids.
Ross Walking Around the Chrysler Imperial on Stage
The cable attached to Ross' harness will prevent him from running anywhere. During the rehearsals and three live performances, Ross never needed the cable to stop him. Jack Thompson watching from above.
Ross Going Down the Ramp
Being attached, by Grzegorz, to the cables that will prevent him from running anywhere, falling into the orchestra pit, etc. In the end, the cables weren't necessary -- but it was nice to know that they were there.
Ross Waiting for His Cue
Ross entered and left the Manchester Opera House via the roll-up door in the back alley. The three bull handlers get him ready, while Jack Thompson looks on.
Ross Is Entering The Building
Getting ready to go down the ramp to the stage of the Manchester Opera House.
Bull Handlers with Ross of Bien Esk
Digby Gribble, Artur Ivanyan and Grzegorz Bednarski in the alley behind the Manchester Opera House. The portable pen (which Digby was able to borrow) served as Ross' "dressing room."
Ross Is In The Building
Getting ready to do down the ramp to the stage of the Manchester Opera House.
Artur and Ross
In the Lucies Farm stable yard, before Ross' trip to Manchester.
Artur Ivanyan Posing With Ross
Artur Ivanyan Posing With Ross
Ross In His Temporary Home
Beneath the Manchester Magistrates' Court. A pen was constructed using soil from a garden centre and straw from Lucies Farm. Ross was happy in his "hidden location."
Digby Gribble with Ross of Bien Esk
Leading Ross out of his secret hideaway beneath the Manchester Magistrates' Court and over to the Manchester Opera House.
Ross Getting Ready For His Performance
Ross Getting Ready For His Performance
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross with golden horns --- gold leaf was applied before each performance --- dressed as theApis bullfrom Egyptian mythology.
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Grzegorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Ross in the Stock Trailer
While one of his security guards looks on. Shimla Pinks restaurant in the background.
Grzegorz and Artur Taking Ross' Temperature
We had a small concern that the space beneath the Magistrates' Court was a bit stuffy, so Grzegorz (a veterinary student in Poland) purchased a digital thermometer at Boots and Grzegorz took Ross' temperature regularly. All was well.
The Bull Handlers With Ross
In the temporary holding pen behind the Manchester Opera House.
Ross of Bien Esk With A Security Guard
Ross in his temporary pen (dressing room?) behind the Manchester Opera House with one of his security guards. The Festival organisers were wonderful at being sure that Ross had ample security --- during live performances he had at least ten security guards in the alley behind the Opera House.
Grzegorz With Ross
In Ross' temporary accommodation beneath the Manchester Magistrates' Court.
Adjusting Ross' Flowers
Adjusting Ross' Flowers
Trying The Garland of Flowers on Ross
Grzegorz and Artur help Matthew Barney put the garland of Egyptian flowers on Ross.
Ross With His Garland of Egyptian Flowers
Ross With His Garland of Egyptian Flowers
Matthew Barney Adjusting Ross' Flowers
The Highland bull used in New York was apparently larger than Ross, so the garland of Egyptian flowers needed to be shortened a bit.
Ross' Golden Horns
His horns, freshly gilded with gold leaf.
Ross of Bien Esk
Wearing his garland of Egyptian flowers, as part of his transformation into the Apis bull.
A Golden Horn
One of Ross' horns, gilded with gold leaf.
Matthew Barney with Zuko
Zuko, the basenji, in the special harness on Matthew's head. Marge, Zuko's owner, looks on --- as does Ross.
Grzegorz With Ross
Grzegorz With Ross
Grzegorz Bednarski with two Manchester Police Officers
Guarding the back of the Manchester Opera House where Ross was loaded and unloaded into his stock trailer.
Matthew Barney with Zuko
On stage Matthew (and Zuko) will become Anubis.
Matthew Barney with Zuko the Basenji
Testing the dog harness forGuardian of the Veilwith Zuko.
Matthew Barney and Lise Marker
Testing the special harness to hold Zuko the basenji dog.
Matthew Barney With Zuko
Matthew Barney With Zuko
Ross Wearing His Flowers
Ross Wearing His Flowers
Ross Flowers
The flowers of Egypt, as part of Ross' conversion into the Apis bull.
Egyptian Floral Garland
Egyptian Floral Garland
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross of Bien Esk
Matthew Barney with Zuko
Grzegorz and Marge, Zuko's owner, adjusting Zuko in the harness above Matthew Barney's head.
Putting Zuko into the Harness
The special harness is on Matthew Barney's head. Artur and Grzegorz assist Zuko's owner, Marge, in placing Zuko into the harness.
Adjusting Zuko in the Special Harness
Matthew Barney will "wear" Zuko the basenji dog on his head as part of the transformation into Anubis. Grzegorz, Artur, and Lise assist with the process.
Artur with Ross of Bien Esk
Artur with Ross of Bien Esk
Grzeogrz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Grzeogrz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Gregorz and Artur Applying Gold Leaf to Ross' Horns
Ross was quite amused by the whole process of the daily application of the gold leaf. And he sure looked regal --- or even god-like --- afterwards.
Matthew Barney Giving Zuko a Test Ride
Zuko, the basenji dog, is in a special harness on Matthew's head. Ross stands in the foreground.
Artur on Ross
Ross was so gentle that he didn't mind Artur playing cowboy.
Artur and Ross of Bien Esk
Ross is so placid he didn't mind Artur sitting (gently) on him.
One of the Security Guards
Dressed up as a New York City Sanitation Worker for the "Guardian of the Veil." Grzegorz in the background.
Adjusting Zuko's Harness
Matthew Barney will be on the stage with Zuko in a harness over Matthew's head.
In New York City Sanitation Department Costume
Sitting on a small bale of hay.
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross of Bien Esk
Manchester International Festival
The view from my room at theCity Innin Manchester --- I was never far from the Manchester International Festival. Marjorie sent me a "care package" with photos of her, and of Tapa and Mana.
Grzegorz Giving Ross Some Exercise
A bit like dog walking --- only the "dog" is a lot larger! Fez, one of Ross' regular security guards, is watching.
Ross of Bien Esk
With Fez, one of his regular security guards, in the background.
Ross of Bien Esk
Relaxing between performances.
Taking Ross for a Walk
Grzegorz taking Ross for a short walk in the City of Manchester.
Ross Going Back Into His "Secret Location"
Hidden beneath the Manchester Magistrates' Court.
Ross and Grzegorz
Ross on the pedestrian passage (temporarily closed with barricades and security guards) beneath the Manchester Magistrates' and Cornoner's Court. We took Ross for several brief walks during his week in Manchester --- to give him some fresh air and some sunlight on his back.
Ross of Bien Esk
Photographed in the City of Manchester.
Grzegorz Taking Ross for a Walk
Photographed in the City of Manchester, July 2007
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross Walking Around the Chrysler Imperial
Seeing if Ross had any reaction to the wrecked car (with white cow dummy) on stage. He didn't.
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross of Bien Esk
Grzegorz Being Fitted for His Kilt
Grzegorz is fitted for his kilt by Lise Marker while Artur throws his sweater into the air.
The Wrecked Chrysler Imperial
From theCremaster 3film. With the white plastic cow dummy at the back.
Ross At His First Rehearsal
Being led by Digby Gribble.
Wrecked Chrysler Imperial
FromCremaster 3.
Digby Gribble Opening the Stock Trailer
Behind the Manchester Opera House, for Ross' first on-stage experience.
Grzegorz Fitted for His Kilt by Lise Marker
The bull handlers wore kilts, balaclavas, and green berets when they were on stage during the "Guardian of the Veil."
The New York City Sanitation Workers
In costume, ready for the dress rehearsal of "Guardian of the Veil."
Lise Adjusting Grzegorz' Kilt
Lise Adjusting Grzegorz' Kilt
Fez As A Sanitation Worker
Fez dressed in his costume as a New York City Sanitation Worker.
Artur and Grzegorz in Costume
Ross was held just below the Manchester Magistrates' Court, a short distance from the Crown Court. When Artur and Grzegorz were in costume, I photographed them in front of the Crown Court. Quite an unsettling image.
Digby Gribble and Ross
Digby in his kilt, getting ready for dress rehearsal.
Artur and Grzegorz in Costume
Dressed in kilts and balaclavas.
Ross At His First Rehearsal
Being led by Digby Gribble and Artur Ivanyan, with Grzegorz Bednarski following from behind.
The Musicians in Costume
The musicians from "Guardian of the Veil" in their costumes, outside the Manchester Opera House.
Ross Going Down the Ramp to the Stage
Ross Going Down the Ramp to the Stage
The Wrecked Chrysler Imperial
On the stage of the Manchester Opera House.
Artur and Grzegorz Listing for their Cue
At the back door of the Manchester Opera House, waiting for their cue to take Ross in for his performance.
Tez As A Sanitation Worker
Tez dressed in his costume as a New York City Sanitation Worker.
Lise Helping Digby Gribble Into His Kilt
Lise helping fit Digby's costume.
Digby and Two Security Guards
At the back of the Manchester Opera House, with Ross in his temporary holding pen. Ross always had a large contingent of security guards when at the back of the theatre.
Stephen Ware and the Procession
As the funeral procession gets ready to walk into the Manchester Opera House, Stephen Ware (the veterinarian) poses with the Entered Novitiate from theCremaster 3film.
Matthew Barney Into Costume
Helped by Mike Bellon and Lise Marker, outside the Manchester Opera House
Artur
Artur
Artur
Artur
Waiting for the Cue
The three bull handlers --- and Ross the Highland bull --- waiting at the green roll-up door behind the Manchester Opera House for their cue.
The Funeral Procession
The procession entered the Manchester Opera House via the lobby. The lady on the platform is the Entered Novitiate from theCremaster 3film.
Ross Getting into the Stock Trailer
For the short ride from the Manchester Magistrates' Court to the Manchester Opera House. We wanted to simply walk him, but the thought of a bull walking through city streets was a bit chilling to others.
The Funeral Procession Enters the Lobby
The beginning of theGuardian of the Veilat the Manchester Opera House, part ofIl Tempo del Postinoand the Manchester International Festival.
Ross and His Handlers
At the back of the Manchester Opera House.
Grzegorz
Grzegorz
Artur and Me
At the opening night party forIl Tempo del Postino
Artur At The Rodeo
Ross didn't really mind Artur playing the cowboy --- for a second or two. Then he simply flicked Arthur off onto the straw.
Artur Repairing The Sun Disk
Using a lighter and a few screws found in the pile of old office furniture in the corner of the warehouse area where Ross lived during his week in Manchester.
Artur Models The Repaired Sun Disk
The metal screws now go through the sun disk so it won't (hopefully) fall off of Ross' head.
Grzegorz Kwiecinski, Larysa Sredzinska & Artur Ivanyan
At the wrap party for the Manchester International Festival
Artur and Larysa at the Wrap Party
The party at the wrap of the Manchester International Festival
Grzegorz and Julita Speak with Lise Marker
At the wrap party of the Manchester International Festival
Grzegorz Kwiecinski and Me
At the wrap party for the Manchester International Festival
Grzegorz Fitted for His Kilt
Lise Marker with the safety pins.
Grzegorz Applying Gold Leaf
Ross' horn was gilded each evening with gold leaf.
Ross of Bien Esk
The peformances over, Ross takes a well-earned rest in his secret location.
Ross Heading Off For Dress Rehearsal
Led by Digby Gribble.
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross Being Loaded Into The Stock Trailer
For the trip back to Lucies Farm
The Bull Handlers
Grzegorz Bednarski, Julita Kosciuk, Grzegorz Kwiecinski, Larysa Sredzinska, Artur Ivanyan at the wrap party of the Manchester International Festival
Grzegorz Taking Ross for a Walk
Giving Ross a bit of fresh air and exercise. This small alleyway was rarely used by pedestrians, and the security guards closed it off completely when we took Ross for a brief walk and some sunshine.
Zuko the Basenji Dog Meets Ross
Ross was curious, Zuko less so. Zuko was much happier when he was higher than Ross --- on Matthew Barney's head.
Loading The Temporary Pen
Ready for the trip from Manchester back to Worcester
Ross Going Up His Ramp
Can I stop holding my breath now?
Ross of Bien Esk In His Secret Location
An empty art gallery (we were told) beneath the Manchester Magistrates' Court.
Entrance to Ross' Secret Lair
Beneath the Manchester Magistrates' Court. Ross had round-the-clock security guards (at least two), and our farm colleagues also spent considerable time with Ross.
Stephen Ware, the Veterinarian, Hard At Work
Reading a veterinary journal . . .
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross of Bien Esk
Artur Adjusting His Kilt
Artur adjusting his costume.
Gilding Ross' Horns
Gilding Ross' Horns
Lise Adjusting Grzegorz' Kilt
Lise Marker adjusting Grzegorz' kilt, part of his costume for "Guardian of the Veil."
Ross of Bien Esk With Golden Horns
Freshly applied gold leaf.
Tez and Fez Getting Into Their Roles
If they're dressed as New York City Sanitation Workers, then they should learn how to sweep. I thought it was funny that Fez took the broom, and Tez supervised. Two guys to push one broom.
Grzegorz
Grzegorz
Matthew Barney Getting Ready
Lise Marker and Mike Bellon helping Matthew Barney into his costume, getting ready to "add" Zuko the basenji dog.
Matthew Barney Getting Into Costume
Helped by Mike Bellon and Lise Marker. Getting ready for Zuko the basenji dog, and the transformation to Anubis will be complete.
Grzegorz and Arthur With Ross of Bien Esk
In the alley behind the Manchester Opera House, getting ready for his performance.
Matthew Barney, Zuko, and Ross
Matthew Barney, Zuko, and Ross
Ross of Bien Esk
Scratching himself with one of his gilded horns
Ross of Bien Esk
Still with his golden horns, waiting for his ride back to Worcester.
Grzegorz and Artur At Opening Night Party
Enjoying a drink at the party to celebrate the opening night of [i[Il Tempo del Postino
Ross of Bien Esk
Back on the farm, in the sunshine.
Ross of Bien Esk
Muching on daisies.
Ross is Eager
But Betty, the Gloucester cow, keeps hitting him with her tail.
Ross of Bien Esk
Back at Lucies Farm, but still with some gold leaf on his horns.
Why Didn't You Do That On Stage?
Ross has just met Betty, and already he's doing what Matthew wanted him to do on the stage of the Opera House. Perhaps Ross finds Betty more appealing than a white plastic cow surrogate?
Ross Meets Betty
Ross of Bien Esk, the Highland bull, meets Betty, the Gloucester cow. Betty is certainly a bit eager.
Ross Moving to a New Field
As Grzegorz 1 and Grzegorz 2 look on. Ross sees Betty, a Gloucester cow, in the same field --- waiting for him.
Ross Striding Out To Meet Betty
Betty is a Gloucester cow. We put her in the same field with Ross to, er, keep him company.
Ross Getting A Bit Forward
Ross of Bien Esk with Betty, our Gloucester cow.
Ross In Hot Pursuit
Betty is playing hard-to-get.
Ross of Bien Esk and Betty
Ross of Bien Esk and Betty
Ross and Betty Making Each Other's Acquaintance
Love at first sight?
Ross Back at Lucies Farm
Ross back in the fields of sunny Worcestershire, but still with a slight glint of gold leaf on his horns.
Ross Doing What Bulls Do
Having a nice sniff.
Ross of Bien Esk
Some of the gold can still be seen on his horns.
Ross and Betty Dancing
Going in a big circle.
Ross and Betty -- Horn To Horn
Ross and Betty -- Horn To Horn
Ross On His Way To Meet Betty
Betty is a Gloucester cow.
Il Tempo Del Postino
What if an exhibition was not about occupying space but about occupying time? Can contemporary art be interpreted outside of a traditional gallery environment? A group of the world's leading visual artists defy all accepted notions of the "exhibition" in an experimental time-based show, held not in an art gallery but at Manchester's Opera House. The title of the piece relates to "postman time" --- the exhibiton is delivered to the audience rather than the audience walking through it in their own time.
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross of Bien Esk
Ross at Birchfields 1
Look at all the greenery . . .
Ross of Bien Esk with Betty in the Background
Ross of Bien Esk with Betty in the Background
Ross Eating, Marjorie Watching
Ross released into Birchfields 1 --- ten acres of greenery for Ross and Betty to share together.
Ross of Bien Esk Munching Grass
Still with a slight glint of gold leaf on his horns.
Ross of Bien Esk Enjoying Summer
Finally, after a very wet July, we have blue skies and warmth. Ross is engaged in his favourite passtime: eating.
Ross in theWorcester Evening News
This story about Ross -- complete with his photograph -- appeared in the August 7 2007 edition of our local newspaper, theWorcester Evening News.
Chowing down in my new home
Ross starred on the stage at the Manchester International Festival in July 2007 and is currently residing at Lucies Farm. He is scheduled to reprise his role in Paris in February 2008
Where's that Betty gone?
Where's that Betty gone?
Surveying my new territory
Surveying my new territory
Matthew Barney with Lord Rannoch
Matthew getting the "feel" of walking a Highland bull.
Matthew Barney with Lord Rannoch
Auditions for Matthew Barney's "Guardian of the Veil" at the Manchester International Festival, July 2007.
Matt Ryle and Matthew Barney Looking at Aberdeen Angus Cattle
Pamela on the left, and Ballet Cruz in the middle. The size of the Aberdeen Angus bull is nice --- but what a shame that he has no horns?
Matthew Barney with Lord Rannoch
Matthew Barney "testing" Lord Rannoch to see how well he moves and can be guided along. Our field looks more like the Kalahari than sunny Worcestershire.
Digby Gribble and Ian Crouch Rounding Up Ross
Getting Ross ready for his daily routine.
Oooh, fresh grass instead of hay
Oooh, fresh grass instead of hay
Ross At The Gallop
Ross having a bit of a run before letting Ian and Digby put on his head collar and nose lead. This photo shows that, yes, Ross can run when he wants to do so. He ran for about three seconds.
Ross Being Shown the Artificial Cow
He's not particularly interested in a large white plastic cow. Please note how he's being managed with two leads --- one to his nose ring, and one attached to his head collar. Ian Crouch is holding both.
Ross Coming Out Of The Gate
Ross leaving the field. He then trots happily over to the other cows, and it's easy to put on his head collar and attach a lead to his nose ring.
Ross of Bien Esk with Ian Crouch
Ross is being put through his paces. Ian had no difficulty in walking Ross with two lead ropes: one attached to his head collar, and one to Ross' nose ring.
Ross of Bien Esk
Being put through his paces.
Gregorz with the AV
Gregorz had to put warm water into the AV --- "artificial vagina."
Gregorz with the AV
Gregorz holding the artifical vagnina having just filled it with warm water. Ross showed no interest in the plastic cow, so there was no need for the AV.
Ross of Bien Esk
Note how he's managed with two lead ropes: one attached to his head collar, and the second to his nose ring. The third piece of rope (blue) is around and beneath his horns.
Ross of Bien Esk with Ian Crouch
Ross of Bien Esk with Ian Crouch
Ross Being Encouraged to Show Interest in the Dummy Cow
Ian Crouch has used some "slime" (a poetic farmer name) from Carole, our Guernsey cow, to interest Ross. While Ross did some foaming at the mouth, and licked his lips, he wasn't all that interested in the plastic dummy cow, or even in Carole.
Off to explore my new home
Off to explore my new home
Ross Smelling the Scent of a Woman
. . . or at least the smell of a cow. Ross was interested, but not overly so. Digby Gribble watching, in deep contemplation.
Ross Being Shown the Cow Dummy
But Ross wasn't hugely interested. Digby Gribble is watching, hoping for some success.
Ross Relaxing
Ross in his nice dry stable, with Belinda in the background.
Ross And One Of The Alpacas Having A Snack
. . . with a Black Rock chicken in the background.
Ross In Pursuit of the Heifer
Ross was quite interested in this heifer Balamory (UK311538-300001). She's quite small, but she is over two years old (born 6 January 2006) so should be interested in Ross' attention. She wasn't.
Ross the Bull
Ross was quite pleased with himself, having chased the heifer around the field for half an hour.
I'm a star doncha know
I'm a star doncha know
Wot you got there looks interesting ..........
Wot you got there looks interesting ..........
........ but I'm bored now
........ but I'm bored now
You got any food?!
You got any food?!
Ross' lady!!
The artificial "cow" sent to us from Matthew Barney's studio in New York. Unfortunately, the production in Paris was cancelled, so we never had the experience of trying to encourage Ross to be amorous with this plastic cow. We are awaiting orders for its removal or destruction.
......... for my next starring role
......... for my next starring role
I am waiting ..............
I am waiting ..............
Yeah, she's always following me!!
Yeah, she's always following me!!
Digby Gribble and Ian Crouch with Ross
Trying to interest Ross in the plastic cow dummy. Ross wasn't buying.
Ross and the Cow Dummy
Ross and the Cow Dummy
Ross Encouraged to Mount the Cow Dummy
With Carole, our Guernsey cow, on the right. Ross wasn't hugely interested in either the plastic cow dummy, or in Carole.
Ian Crouch Encouraging Ross
The cow dummy was about four to six inches too high, but Ross made no effort to mount it, or even Carole --- who was presumably the correct height.
Digby Gribble and Ian Crouch with Ross and Carole
We tried to use our Guernsey cow, Carole, to interest Ross. But he wasn't overly interested in either the plastic dummy, or in Carole.
Digby Leading Ross Back To His Field
Today's rehearsal is over, and Ross is going back to a nice bale of hay.
Grzegorz Measuring Ross' Girth (Waist?)
Measuring Ross for his harness. He's seven feet around.
Comparing Ross With The Pattern
Figuring out which measurements are necessary so that Ross' new harness will fit snugly.
Ross' Coat
A close-up of Ross' summer coat.
Noting Ross' Measurements
Noting Ross' Measurements
Measuring from Front to Back
Ross was quite happy to be measured for his harness.
Grzegorz x 2 Measuring Ross' "Halo"
Measuring the distance around Ross' head, beneath his horns.
Grzegorz and Ross
Grzegorz and Ross
Julita Kosciuk with Ross of Bien Esk
Julita Kosciuk with Ross of Bien Esk
Ross and His Plastic Woman
Still showing no real interest in the plastic cow.
Ross Returning to his Field
Note Pongo, the Dalmatian, barking in the background? Is Ross bothered?
Norbert Kobela with the Temporary Pen
Picking up the temporary pen at the Royal Show, following the deluge.
Ross' Temporary Home-to-Be
Ross will stay in this temporary pen during his stay in Manchester.
Arthur Catching Ross to Bring Him Inside
Catching Ross to bring him inside for his spa treatment: bath, grooming, manicure --- and a sanding of his horns.
Grzegorz and Arthur with Ross
Bringing Ross in for his bath/shampoo.
Getting Ross Ready for His Shampoo
Getting Ross Ready for His Shampoo
Ross With His "Halo"
We think he looks a bit like a Ninja. The black band can, of course, be concealed beneath his fur. We were just testing to be sure that it fit on Ross.
Ross With His "Halo"
Shown side-on, with the attachment in the back (behind his horns).
Ross With His "Halo"
This is attached (closed) behind his horns.
Grzegorz (x2) and Arthur Putting on Ross' New Harness
A pefect fit, and Ross didn't seem to mind the harness (and halo) at all.
Grzegorz Showing How Ross' Harness Fits
Grzegorz Showing How Ross' Harness Fits
Ross With His Harness and Halo
Ross With His Harness and Halo
Ross With His Harness and Halo
Ross With His Harness and Halo