Public Art Around the World - Cattle Chosen (Yulika)

Cattle Chosen (Yulika)

Public Art : Cattle Chosen (Yulika) (A Margaret River, 2010, Cowparade cow)

Artist : © Louise Elscot

Date : 2010

Cowparade Cow Number : 7

Location : Currently lying around the Thompson Estate, 299 Harmans Road, South Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Western Australia.

Artist Statement : The incredible story of Yulika, the wandering cow who founded a town. Read all about it.

Background to Cattle Chosen : In 1830 John Bussell and his brothers Charles, Vernon and Alfred decided to quit England and emigrate to the newly established Swan River colony in Western Australia. Unfortunately, by the time the boys had arrived most of the fertile land near the Swan River had already been taken, so Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling persuaded them to head south near Cape Leeuwin. The brothers were among 30 settlers given land near the Blackwood River in Augusta. Unfortunately despite their efforts to establish a farm the land proved infertile and the tall timbers near impossible to clear. When the Bussell's homestead Adelphi , near Alexandra Bridge, burnt down, they decided to leave the area for good and settle about 60 miles north on the Vasse River (now Busselton). And this is where the story of Yulika begins. During the fire at Aldelphi their cow, Yulika, ran off and they were unable to find her. However, soon after they arrived at their new property at the Vasse in 1834, who should they stumble across happily grazing on their land? That's right, Yulika and her young calf. On the very same day the Bussell's mother also arrived for a visit, to which Fanny Bussell (their sister) wrote ...Was it not singular that our long traunt Yulika should have walked into their farm at The Vasse on the very day that Mamma paid them her passing visit;It seemed as if she had waited to welcome her liege lady.
Thus it was decided the property would be named Cattle Chosen.

Cowparade Charity Auction : The Cattle Chosen (Yulika) cow sold at the Margaret River CowParade auction for $5,600.