Giant rats up for auction after successful sculpture trail
‘IT’S BEEN A GREAT TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER’: Maggi Ronson, left, with Susan J. Woolhouse alongside Moonage Daydream
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Sculptures of giant rats that formed a trail across Hull and East Yorkshire are to be auctioned off to the public next month.
A total of 45, 6ft rats were installed across the region in May by the A Mischief of Rats project, inspired by Hull music legend Mick Ronson and his band, The Rats.
More than 230,000 people have viewed the rats, which are now being sold to raise money for the Daisy Appeal.
Some have already found homes thanks to generous sponsors and the remaining 21 will be sold in an auction at Princes Quay event space on Saturday, September 20. The trail closes on August 31.
Memorable rats include Copper Colin, created by Amy Bourbon and made possible by sponsor Neill and Brown Logistics – who also played a vital role in delivering and installing the sculptures – and Moonage Daydream, a vivid tribute to Ronson’s career.
The musician’s sister, Maggi Ronson, has kept a close eye on the project since giving it her and the Ronson family’s, blessing, and also worked as co-artist alongside Andy Pea and Nadine Balmer on ReNew’s rat, Believe in People.
“I’ve loved the trail of rats,” she said. “It’s been wonderful seeing so many people and families enjoying the amazing designs and getting to know more about my brother Mick Ronson and his musical genius. It’s been a great tribute to him, to the original Rats and to the Spiders from Mars. Now we just need a massive bidding war to raise funds for the Daisy Appeal!”
COMMUNITY ART: Artists Andy Pea and Nadine Balmer with Believe in People
The Daisy Appeal is a local charity focused on the early detection of diseases, reinforcing the community spirit behind the trail.
Rick Welton, co-director of A Mischief of Rats and someone who worked alongside Mick Ronson at East Park festivals in the late 1960s, described the project as both a personal passion and a fitting tribute to Ronson’s legacy and his battle with cancer.
He said: “We’re optimistic about raising a significant amount with twenty-one rats going under the hammer, and we’re incredibly grateful to the sponsors who have already purchased sculptures, providing a strong foundation and building momentum for a successful auction.”
Clare Huby, co-director of A Mischief of Rats, added: “As September approaches, I am excited about the auction. It’s always an exhilarating day, and we eagerly anticipate the funds we can raise. People have told us how much they’ve loved visiting the rats and can’t wait to see them find homes with their new owners.
“With our sculpture trail projects, we not only aim to raise money for charities but also help people discover places they wouldn’t visit otherwise. Feedback from trail locations has shown a noticeable increase in visitor numbers, especially at local libraries hosting sculptures, providing a welcome boost to community spaces.”
Chris Wathen, a visitor from Gloucestershire who explored the region between May and July, aid: “Following the rat trail on foot around Hull was very interesting. We drove to visit the rats that were in outlying areas and it took us to areas that we had not been to before. We finally visited Beverley and completed the trail on foot.”
The success of this project follows Puffins Galore!, which raised over £100,000 to support four charities focusing on conservation and lifesaving services.
Viewing will begin at 11am with bidding starting at noon.