There will soon be two tributes to the Bengal cat that roamed the streets of York and was a favourite with tourists and locals alike.
YorkMix can reveal that a painting will be hung in the first class lounge at York station. It’s been painted by Rob Martin, the man who painted the station cat at Huddersfield.
Meanwhile Anthony Bartyla’s sculpture of Gerald will be on display at Holy Trinity Church in Goodramgate.
The Churches Conservation Trust have told Gerald’s owner Justine Spencer, that they are delighted to be able to provide his sculpture with a home at Holy Trinity.
That will be subject to listed building consent though.
Many of the staff and visitors had the pleasure of meeting Gerald in Holy Trinity churchyard.
Possible unveiling in March
Justine added “The sculpture of Gerald is currently in my living room.
“We obviously cannot do the unveiling during lockdown and so we have been forced to delay it until after lockdown, hopefully March but we will see.
“It will initially be unveiled at The Cat Gallery, Low Petergate, York whilst Holy Trinity finalises listed building consent from the City of York Council.”
She went on to say “It has just been confirmed by LNER station management that Rob Martin’s Gerald painting will be displayed at York Station in their new First Class lounge.
“I work for LNER and so it will be a huge personal privilege to see Gerald there on a daily basis.”