Earlier this year, local artist Ric Liptrot was commissioned by York Conservation Trust to produce a piece of artwork for the entrance hall of De Grey House. Celebrating York and the work of the Trust, and showcased in October at Herbert House as part of the York Unlocked Festival, the completed piece is now ready to be installed.
The new artwork consists of five large painted wooden panels representing different aspects of York’s street life. Alongside highlighting the Trust’s buildings, Ric has incorporated different motifs, taking inspiration from the ancient drovers’ route up Walmgate along with iconic sculptures, street art, hanging signs, ancient stained glass and today’s tourism offerings.
Ric comments, “It’s been such enjoyable work. The Trust allowed me to decide on the content of the panels and have been incredibly supportive throughout the process. Even though it’s taken a bit longer than intended, with ideas emerging as it developed, I wanted to ensure that the balance was right for each panel and the piece as a whole.”
As you enter the building, on the left hand side of the entrance hall, the panels depict the north, east, south and west aspects of the city, with the fifth panel on the opposite wall representing York’s cultural quarter. This includes the Library and Archives, Art Gallery, Theatre Royal and De Grey Rooms. Also incorporating some three dimensional elements, the colours of each panel reflect the blues, greens and reds of the art deco flooring of the hall, restored during the De Grey House renovations in 2023.
Guy Bowyer, CEO of York Conservation Trust commented, “We are delighted with the artwork Ric has produced for us. His five panels are an expressive, playful and accurate take on the colours and textures of York's historic streetscapes. We will be very pleased to welcome anyone that would like to see them in person.”
Looking ahead, the Trust hopes to continue working with Ric during the forthcoming restoration of Herbert House and use his skills to record and interpret the building and project as it unfolds.
Ric again, “The piece also continues themes from my wider work that encourages people to look up at their surroundings. There is so much to enjoy and admire in our street scenes when we stop and take notice. I am very much looking forward to continuing our work together.”
Look out for the Trust’s Christmas cards that will feature aspects of the panels and be available to buy from the York Gin shop at Herbert House.
Prints of the panels will be available to buy. To find out more subscribe to Ric’s mailing list here.
Images courtesy of Esme Mai Photography and Ric Liptrot.
Click on the images to see them in more detail. What do you recognise?
Ric during the process of bringing together and producing the different elements for the panels.
