Red Sandstone Fox
Gordon Young 1991
Originally called 'Forest Denizen' until it started going by the name of 'Red Sandstone Fox', you'd have to be incredibly focused on the path to miss this impressive piece, which replaced Alan Grimwood's 'Rabbit' at the top of Green Lane in 1991. It is made from Penrith's finest Lazonby sandstone, a type of stone with a high quartz content, which gives it that shimmery look in the sunshine. It has hardly changed since it was built and if I had to guess which sculpture will last the longest, I'd say this one.
It was inspired by the old tribal totems, as well as being partly influenced by Carlisle's mascot Olga the fox, who was given to the club and would be walked on a lead into the centre circle before matches by Young's one-time neighbour George Baxter.
Gordon Young is the artist responsible for Blackpool promenade's Comedy Carpet, a huge granite and concrete floor containing quotes from over a thousand comedians and writers. The work was part of the regeneration of Blackpool seafront, however in their infinite wisdom, Blackpool Council dug up a section of it, along with the foundation stone, only a year or so after commissioning it. Despite the council's best efforts, though, the work remains, directly opposite Blackpool Tower.