York sculpture trail will see 25+ characters dotted around the city – but which do you like best?

A new sculpture trail is coming to York in 2024 – and you can be involved in choosing the figures.

The trail will guide people though York’s cobbled streets and hidden gardens using striking 6ft tall characters.

All the characters will have the same shape – but be decorated in unique ways by specially selected artists.

Your job is to choose which of the two shortlisted characters you like best!

The trail is organised by Make It York. Originally due to go ahead this year, it has been put back to 2024 to fit in with another activity – which will be announced soon.

The trail will last several months. Each sculpture will be 6ft tall and made of fibre glass for durability.

75 entries

Last year, Make It York put a call out for Yorkshire-based visual artists and designers to create a unique character for the city.

There were 75 submissions – with Make It York narrowing it down to these two final designs.

Sarah Loftus, managing director at Make It York, said: “We’re really looking forward to bringing a new trail and introducing a new character to York in 2024.

“Our final two artists have done a brilliant job at bringing the characters to life and we look forward to seeing the winning design in our city next year.

“We’re really pleased to be working with our charity partner, St Leonard’s Hospice, on this project.”

Will it be the friendly monster Barouse inspired by the city’s rivers and bars? Or the bookish Snook, who can be found hiding in the city’s corners?

Vote for your favourite here – you have until Tuesday 28 February at 5pm.

Barouse by Christine Jopling

“Barouse is a friendly monster who has a castellated head and a big droplet of a body. It’s battlement-shaped head is inspired by the bars around York’s unique wall, and its rotund frame is like a drop of water from the River Ouse, which runs right through York’s centre.

“Bringing together these two important aspects of the City – the walls and the river – in a fun and approachable figure. Barouse is a simple, chunky monster, and its friendly features are created to appeal to humans of all ages.”

Freelance illustrator Christine said, “It was quite a challenge to come up with something that represents York in a fun, approachable sculpture, but when Barouse popped into my head I thought – ‘That’s it!’

“I hope that the sculptures bring a smile to the faces of residents and visitors to York.” 

Snook by Sian Ellis

“Have you ever set eyes on a Snook? They’ve been here just as long as even The Norman House (the oldest building in York) but they are a little more hidden away than the historic sights of the city that you are familiar with.

“A bookish breed they are often found in cosy corners with their faces buried inside the pages of a good book. However recently Snook sightings have skyrocketed, and it looks like these friendly folk have been enjoying some sightseeing around the city walls.”

Illustrator and mural artist Sian Ellis said, “To get the chance to design a brand new and unique sculpture design would be an absolute dream come true for me! I would love love LOVE to see the Snooks with Books come to life and explore the city.”