Public have chance to bid on some of the colourful creations
People will get their opportunity to bid on some of the fabulous rat sculptures that have populated the Hull and East Yorkshire area since May. Following a hugely successful summer, the A Mischief of Rats charity auction will take centre stage on Saturday, September 20 at Princes Quay event space.
It promises an exciting finale to the giant sculpture trail. From a total of 45 towering rat sculptures exhibited across the county, 21 will be auctioned to eager bidders, while the remaining pieces have already found homes thanks to generous sponsors, this solid backing ensuring a strong platform for fundraising success.
Midway through the summer holidays, the trail has drawn an impressive crowd of over 230,000 visitors – from local families to art lovers and tourists – who have delighted in discovering the striking and whimsical rat sculptures. The trail officially closes on August 31, when the sculptures will be carefully gathered and transported to the artists’ studio in preparation for the auction.
Standout sculptures 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 at the trail’s launch. Another highlight is Moonage Daydream, a vivid tribute to the music career of legendary Hull musician Mick Ronson, whose first Hull band was The Rats.
Maggi Ronson, Mick’s sister, has kept a close eye on the project since the off, giving it her and the Ronson family’s blessing. Maggi 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.”
This inspiring project raises vital funds for the Daisy Appeal, 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.
“We’re optimistic about raising a significant amount with 21 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,” he said. Clare Huby, co-director, said “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 from May to July, said: “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. I particularly loved the rats that were a combination of beautiful illustrations combined with artwork that gave the rat a quirky character such as Rats Ahoy, A Stroll around Hull and Doodles of Rats, while Chris picked Moonage Daydream, housed inside Ings Library.”
The success of this project follows on from Puffins Galore!, which raised over £100,000 to support four charities focusing on conservation and lifesaving services.
Viewing on the day of the auction will begin at 11am, with bidding starting at noon. Volunteers from Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) will be present at the auction to guide attendees and raise further awareness of the cause.