A new event set to bring York Minster’s stone figures to life and wandering the streets of the city is planned for the summer.
The Watchers of York is set to feature an interactive trail themed on the Minster’s grotesques, exaggerated sculptures of people, animals and creatures.
Make It York stated it would celebrate the quirky charm of the sculptures, each of which is imbued with its own character, humour and air of mystery.
Plans for the event, which feature in a report on the events body’s activity, would see it take place for nine weeks from Monday, June 29 to Monday, August 31.
It would see a trail of large, whimsical sculptures installed in locations across York, including in private gardens and as well as public spaces.
Each sculpture, similar to those on display next to the Queen’s Path at York Minster, will be inspired by a grotesque on the Minster and aim to capture its unique personality.
Local and national artists will be tasked with interpreting them in creative and contemporary ways.
They will be accompanied by information about the figure including its origins, backstory and symbolism.
Organisers Make It York stated the event aimed to “bring the figures and their history to life”.
They stated: “For centuries, these stone guardians have watched silently over the Minster.
“This project celebrates their quirky charm by allowing them to step off the stonework and wander the streets of York.”
