Ey Up York – York BID’s Latest Mural Completed on Back Swinegate
The new Peregrine Falcon mural has now been completed on Back Swinegate. The mural has been commissioned by York BID and created by York-born mural artist, SledOne, as part of the York Festival of Ideas. The theme of this year’s festival, which runs from 1st-14th June, is ‘The Power Of’ – and the mural is themed on ‘The Power of Place’.
The piece is also part of York BID’s ongoing programme to tell stories that reflect York’s unique history and identity through a mural trail, launching as part of the festival. It joins the murals on Coppergate, Foss Walk, York Barbican, Coney Street, and Queen Street – all commissioned or supported by York BID.
The new 20m² mural was designed and painted by SledOne, who has worked in Amsterdam and Hanover, as well as London, Cardiff and Glasgow. SledOne’s trademark vibrant, layered style can be seen in the mural’s striking ‘Ey Up York’ typography, and large-scale portrait of a peregrine falcon, which now famously nest at York Minster.
Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, is leading the trail. She said:
“This mural celebrates the spirit and essence of York. I love the incorporation of a Peregrine Falcon, a nod to York’s heritage and endurance, and a personal connection for the artist. It’s an incredible addition to our growing public art programme, and we hope it becomes a must-see destination in York. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Browns for their collaboration and support in making this happen.”
SledOne said: “I feel really honoured to paint this mural in my hometown. I loved that I got to use references that have ties to my family, and I’m really happy with the response it’s had.”
Joan Concannon, Director of York Festival of Ideas, said: “We are thrilled that York BID and SledOne have enthusiastically embraced our theme, creating this incredible mural which brilliantly brings to life the power of York and our amazing community. We are sure the mural will inspire residents and visitors to see York in a new light and we encourage everyone in York to go take a look.”
The mural features words collected from York residents and visitors about why they love our city. This community collaboration was supported by local immersive experience company, Four Wheel Drive. Joly Black, Co-Founder, said:
“We’ve been collecting quotes as part of our creative engagement programmes over the past two years, from CONNECT festival at Theatre@41 last July to our recent project: Friargate Creative Hub. We’re proud to be supporting the local creative economy and emerging theatre-making talent within the city.”
York Festival of Ideas runs from 1st-14th June. You can view the full programme online via their website.