Organisers of Hull and East Yorkshire’s latest public art venture, A Mischief of Rats, have offered sponsors and supporters a first view of one of the sculptures.
Daisy Rat, decorated to recognise the Daisy Appeal, the charity at the heart of the project, is the first artist-decorated rat sculpture in what promises to be another captivating art experience for the region.
The trail of 50 6ft rats, which will run from May to August, pays tribute to 1960s band the Rats, whose local musicians included the late Mick Ronson, ahead of what would have been his 80th birthday.
Ronson’s sister, Maggi, and Rats guitarist Keith “Ched” Cheeseman unveiled the Daisy Rat sculpture at Hull College’s Bilocca restaurant on Tuesday.
The Mischievous Breakfast event included an exclusive first look at the inaugural rat sculpture and offered insights into the project’s development, vision and potential impact. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Mark Collinson, and city council leader Mike Ross, as well as sponsors from the business and community sectors.
A Mischief of Rats will be similar to previous projects, including Larkin with Toads, A Moth for Amy, and Puffins Galore, and will feature sculptures in Hull as well as in towns and villages across East Yorkshire.
The project’s co-director, Clare Huby, said: “This isn’t just your average rat race, it’s a charitable campaign and a region-wide art exhibition, all in aid of Daisy Appeal.
“The inspiration was Hull musician Mick Ronson, best known as lead guitarist with David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars, but whose home band was The Rats.
“Sadly, Mick died from cancer at the age of 46. His legacy and the local Hull and East Yorkshire music scene are among the themes that artists have incorporated into their designs.”
Maggi said: “My brother Michael was a very modest man. I do believe he would have been surprised but happy to stand beside the other musicians and crews of the Rats to receive this unlikely legacy, especially as it’s all in support of such an excellent charity working to help the early diagnosis of cancer.
“I’m delighted to be here today and to have the honour of unveiling the first of these remarkable sculptures.”
Co-director Rick Welton said: “We are thrilled to launch A Mischief of Rats with such a special event.
“The support from our sponsors and delivery partners has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. Our projects always spark creativity, engage our community, and most importantly, contribute much-needed funds to charities. This time, the beneficiary will be the vital work of Daisy Appeal.
“A Mischief of Rats aims to make a significant impact across Hull and East Yorkshire. The project will support Daisy Appeal’s purchase of a new cutting-edge scanner to enhance their facilities at Castle Hill Hospital.
“The new scanner will mean a significant increase in the number of scans carried out each year and will improve the life chances of patients living with cancer, heart disease and dementia in Hull and East Yorkshire.”