Pendle Witches' dog Dandy unveiled outside Booths in Clitheroe

This marks the end of a long journey which began with the artist’s idea to tell the story of the Pendle Witches in a new way, in Clitheroe town centre, through a piece of public art.

Its creator, Dutch-born sculptor Marjan Wouda, was inspired by accounts such as the one made by young James Device during his trial in 1612, of “familiar spirits”.

James confessed to having a familiar in the form of a black dog whom he named “Dandy”. In those days it was believed that witches were attended by a supernatural spirit; often said to assume the form of an animal.

“Dandy” connects Clitheroe to its landscape-setting, sitting as it does in the shadow of Pendle Hill. And Clitheroe Castle itself is very likely to have played a part in the story as a stop-over for those on their way to Lancaster Gaol. Margaret Pearson, one of the 12 accused in 1612, who is also referred to as the Padiham Witch, was sentenced for bewitching a horse and made to stand upon the pillory in Clitheroe on four successive market days.

Booths have supported the idea of a sculpture for Clitheroe from the outset by offering a location as well as funding towards its installation.

Edwin Booth, chairman of Booths, said: “My family has a history in Lancashire stretching back over 200 years and we value the heritage of our county. It is our hope that the story of Dandy will provide interest and enjoyment to local families and visitors to Clitheroe.”

Clitheroe and Ribble Valley residents and businesses have brought Dandy to life through a crowdfunding campaign led by Clitheroe’s Chamber of Commerce.

The scheme has been coordinated by a group of local enthusiasts who attracted further funds from: Lancashire County Council, Clitheroe Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Clitheroe Town Council, Houldsworth Solicitors, Hargreaves Contracting, Anderton Bosonnet Estate Agents, Arts Council England, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Clitheroe Civic Society, and many other organisations and individuals.

Besides securing the sculpture for the town and covering all expenses related to the installation, the crowdfund has commissioned an education pack to be distributed to local schools, and publicity material to encourage tourists to seek it out thus bringing new visitors to the region.

The sculpture was unveiled by Clitheroe’s Mayor assisted by the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire in a ceremony involving local dignitaries, major sponsors. Later that evening the crowdfund team held a community event to thank backers and celebrate with everyone who has been involved with the sculpture and arts and culture in the area.

Tour guide and local storyteller, Simon Entwistle, said: “To my knowledge, this is the only public sculpture representing a familiar. The belief that ‘cunning folk’ were assisted by a spiritual creature in the form of a man, or an animal, is key to the Pendle Witches’ story.

Representing this in the form of a sculpture is a wholly original way of engaging people with it.”

Keeping the story alive and relevant for younger people, a group from Ella Shaw’s Academy of Art performed a poem written by local poet, Alison McNulty, to give “voice to the dog”.