A major street art project has been unveiled, which could see 11 original images installed across York.
The plan is to place the works in York’s snickelways, telling the story of the alleys in medieval times.
The York BID (Business Improvement District) has commissioned the Snickelway Rejuvenation Project. In a planning application it says: “The artwork is themed on ‘the lost city’, divided into three sub-themes: lost markets, lost churches, and making the city.
“The artworks will tell the story of how the snickelways were used in medieval times and the people and animals that walked those same streets thousands of years ago.
“The footprint of the city’s snickelways are unchanged since medieval times and they are a significant gateway to York’s rich history. We hope the artwork will increase awareness of their historic significance and capture people’s imagination.”
The artworks would be placed on seven snickelways within the city centre:
- Nether Hornpot Lane – 2no. artworks
- Finkle Street – 2no. artworks
- Coffee Yard – 1no. artwork
- Lunds Court – 2no. artworks
- Le Kyrk Alley – 1no. artwork
- Pope’s Head Alley – 1no. artwork
- Peter Lane – 2no. artworks
A heritage statement says: “The proposed artworks are in the form of simple graphic panels, on PrimaDura enamel finish (aluminium) boards, which will be mounted onto recycled plastic board, and fixed to the snickelway walls with screw fixings, slightly set off from the wall to maintain an air flow to the wall behind.
“A consistent style, with graphics supported by some text has been established for the panels, to ensure that they are easily recognized and appeal to a wide audience, encouraging people – young and old – to explore and discover York’s historic snickelways.
“The location and design of the artworks has been carefully chosen to ensure that they do not compete with business advertisements but are ideally located at the entrances to the snickelways to encourage people to walk through the passageways.
“In addition to aiding people’s understanding of the significance and history of the snickelways, the increase in pedestrian use will increase footfall past the businesses who occupy premises along the snickelways, increase feelings of security and reduce anti-social behaviour in these areas.
“All of the artwork has been designed with ‘reversibility in mind’ with fixings into mortar joints rather than brick or stonework, so that they can be easily removed and the fixing holes filled.”
The artwork is part of York BID’s strategy to improve York’s snickelways. It has already overseen a deep clean of the sites, and the installation of festoon lighting.
The heritage statement says: “Indeed, it is considered that’ alongside the lighting that has already been installed in these areas, it will make the snickelways more welcoming and encourage pedestrians to explore these ancient routes and the historic buildings around them and that this will result in a positive impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
You can read and comment on the planning application here.