The roundabout dogs started appearing in Linköping, Östergötland (and were therefore originally called de östgötska rondellhundarna), after a dog that was part of the official roundabout installation the 26 of February 2006 by sculptor Stina Opitz had been vandalized in May the same year and later removed. The original dog was made of concrete and Stina Opitz was to make a new version of it after the vandalism, when suddenly someone had placed a homemade wooden dog in the same roundabout. Soon the dog was given a concrete bone by another anonymous artist. After media had reported about the homemade sculpture, the roundabout dogs started appearing in more places around the country.
Running wild Roundabout Dogs appear locally by local people. A few are vandalized, but most are left alone, or even restored if damaged. Without realizing the intent of the originators, the local media coverage probably is the best factor for the spread of Roundabout Dogs these pieces of folk art can now be found throughout Sweden, and seemed to multiply as fast as bunnies!
A Roundabout Dog spotter would have a wonderful time observing the different styles and dates of appearance. For a while there was also a sad prospect of removal of the dogs by traffic authorities, as there seemed to be disagreement as to whether or not the dogs distracted the drivers, thus creating a traffic hazard, until the 16 November 2006, when it was decreed that Roundabout Dogs are not illegal. They may still be a very welcome diversion for anyone travelling with children.
Rondellhund.com
It all started one day in April 2007.
This is me with my first 3 Roundabout dogs.
The dogs were adopted by Family Van Kerkvoorde.
April 2007 Rondellhund.com was born in a small woodworking shop outside Stockholm. Many dogs has since been born and found a home in one of the many roundabouts south of Stockholm. Some has travel the world to find a new home.
Feb 2008 Rondellhund.com open up the doors for visitors to come and build, design and experience the thrill of sneaking out in the dark to put dogs in the roundabouts.
September 2008 Rondellhund.com attended for the first time a craft show.
July 2009 The first roundabout-dog school project in the world took place at a school in north east Hampshire, England. Karen one of the teachers coordinated and led the project. They got original roundabout-dog kits (like IKEA flat packs) from Rondellhund.com.
September 2009 Rondellhund.com and Hundstallet (local dog rescue center) joined forces and attended a craft show in Huddinge. All money from selling the dogs was donated to the local dog rescue center.
November 2009, the first ever Rondellhund.com dogs were born in Australia. Built and designed by Robin F in Melbourne.
Wagging tails, who knows where a Roundabout dog will appear next, or even in which country.
Wouldn't it be fantastic, if a positive movement like this could spread its message around the world! (a dog) that has been vandalized taken from his roundabout home. Hopefully next day it will be returned home. Otherwise another homemade dog take its place.
Please join in and become part of the Rondellhund.com history.
|
