York peregrine falcon mural unveiled to celebrate city's heritage

Man spray-painting mural on side of Browns department store
The mural outside Browns department store is one of a series commissioned by York BID [BBC / Naj Modak]

A new mural has appeared on a York department store to pay tribute to the city's famous feathered friends.

The mural on the Browns store in Back Swinegate depicts a peregrine falcon, known for nesting around York Minster.

It is the creation of York artist Sled One who was commissioned by York Business Improvement District (BID) to create the mural as part of a series celebrating the city's history.

The artist said it was "brilliant" to work on something "that permanent".

Sled One has his own special connection to the mural - he studied art at York College, while his grandfather was an apprentice stone mason at York Minster, and he said: "It's really nice to harmonise the two."

Artist in front of mural
The artist behind the mural has a special connection to its story as his grandfather was an apprentice stone mason at York Minster [BBC / Naj Modak]

Rachel Bean, project manager at York BID, said: "York is a beautiful heritage city but it's also a really dynamic and exciting city."

The project aims to tell stories of the city that people may not otherwise know through public art.

Ms Bean said the theme for the new mural was "power of place", adding: "It's all about what makes York special and what makes York unique.

"There will be an opportunity for anyone walking past the mural to come and add their thoughts and comments - it's a real celebration of York and we're really excited about it."

The mural is the fourth piece of art commissioned by York BID to form part of a six artwork trail, which will appear on an online map - and Ms Bean wants anyone who spots other murals around the city to get in touch.

She said: "We want York to be a real destination for public art."


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