East yorkshire to host giant rat art trail in tribute to Mick Ronson
The streets of East Yorkshire will soon be home to an unusual and eye-catching art trail featuring 50 giant rat sculptures. Titled A Mischief of Rats, the trail is set to launch on 3 may and will celebrate the legacy of 1960s band the rats, which included Hull-born musician Mick Ronson. The tribute coincides with what would have been Ronson’s 80th birthday.
Honouring a local legend
Mick Ronson, a celebrated guitarist and one of Hull’s most iconic musicians, gained fame as a member of the spiders from mars, David Bowie’s backing band. Before that, he was part of the rats, a local band that played a key role in his early career. Ronson’s legacy as a musician and producer continues to inspire fans and artists worldwide.
Clare huby, co-director of the project, explained the significance of the trail:
“My co-director Rick Welton is a huge music fan, and I know people in hull have been keen to have something that will honour Mick Ronson. This just seemed like the perfect opportunity.”
The trail will also support the Daisy Appeal charity, which funds cancer treatment at Castle Hill Hospital, a cause that resonates deeply as Ronson himself tragically died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 46.
Sculptures that stand out
Each of the 6ft-tall sculptures will depict a giant rat, sitting on its hind legs and “looking at people,” according to Huby. The sculptures, designed to be both quirky and charming, will be painted by local artists.
The project will be similar to past successful art trails in the region, such as Larkin with Toads, A Moth for Amy, and Puffins Galore. These initiatives have proven to be popular attractions, drawing visitors to the area and boosting community engagement.
A call for community support
Currently, organisers are seeking storage space for the sculptures from 3 February to 9 May, as well as a studio where artists can paint them. Huby emphasised the importance of community involvement:
“The rats take up a lot of space, and we have to have somewhere to store them once they’re made, until the sculpture opens.”
She encouraged property owners and community members in the Hull area to come forward and assist with the project, ensuring it runs smoothly.
A celebration of creativity and charity
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The trail will officially open in May and run through to the end of August, offering locals and visitors a chance to explore the sculptures while celebrating Mick Ronson’s life and career. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Daisy Appeal charity, furthering its mission to advance cancer care in the region.
This combination of art, music, and charity creates a fitting tribute to a beloved local figure while fostering community spirit. As Huby noted, the project not only honours Mick Ronson’s contributions to music but also brings people together for a greater cause.
A legacy that lives on
Ronson’s journey from Hull to international stardom remains a source of pride for the city. His work as a guitarist, arranger, and producer left an indelible mark on the music industry. This art trail, with its playful sculptures and meaningful purpose, ensures his legacy continues to inspire future generations while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of East Yorkshire.
With anticipation building for A Mischief of Rats, the streets of Hull are set to come alive with creativity, history, and community spirit this summer.
