The tragic story of artist Simon Evans behind Coventry's Trigger sculpture
The steel horse that dominates Greyfriars Green has become a familiar landmark for anyone passing through Coventry, its towering silhouette a daily reminder of the city’s love for public art.
Created in the mid‑1980s by a young student, Simon Evans, the work—officially titled Bucephalus but affectionately known as Trigger—won a council competition while he was studying at Coverty University. Made from scrap steel and welded with a raw, kinetic energy, the 12‑foot figure was installed near the railway station and quickly earned a nickname from locals.
After graduating with honours in 1988, Evans chose an unexpected path, joining Lancashire Constabulary. There his artistic eye proved vital: he produced detailed suspect sketches, sitting with victims and witnesses to translate memory into portrait, a skill that helped secure convictions.
Colleagues recall him as a private, talented man with a dry sense of humour. Despite his modest demeanor, his contributions behind the badge were described as "cracking stuff," underscoring how his creativity served the community in more than one arena.
Tragically, Evans succumbed to pneumonia at the age of 46 in 2010. Yet the horse he forged continues to gallop through the city’s collective memory, a testament to an artist whose work and quiet heroism still resonate with residents and visitors alike.