Hull’s giant rat sculptures turning heads

For most people, the largest ornament in the garden is perhaps a gnome or bird bath, but some have taken it to a whole new level following a charity auction of giant rat sculptures.

A Mischief of Rats was made up of 45 6ft (1.8m) tall painted statues, displayed as part of a walking trail across Hull in the summer.

They were created to pay tribute to local rock musician Mick Ronson who was a member of 1960s band The Rats before he became David Bowie’s guitarist.

They were auctioned off in September, raising £160,000 for the Daisy Appeal, which supports Cottingham’s Castle Hill hospital.

Here, we hear from some of those who could not resist purchasing a colourful smiley rat.

Jon Seth was one of those who had his heart set on acquiring one of the sculptures.

He said his wife and son had been fans of previous art trails in Hull.

“As soon as they heard about the rat trail, we very quicky signed up to sponsor a rat,” Mr Seth said.

“Our rat of choice was always Ronno.”

“None of us wanted to let him go so, as a sponsor, we were given the option to purchase him, and we did,” he added.

Mr Seth said the sculpture had raised a few eyebrows since it was relocated to his garden in Little Weighton, not least from his neighbour who “thinks we are mad”.

However, he said: “We love having him here. He brightens up the garden and we found a perfect rat-shaped space for him to stand.”

“He now seems quite happy.”

A rat sculpture named Blossom Whiskers has taken pride of place at Mires Beck Nursery in Brough, which provides opportunities for adults with special educational needs and disabilites.

Service delivery manager Ian Ridpath said the donated sculpture, which “reflects some of the colours we have here in spring and summer”, was “a real positive”.

“Not only does it give a sense of joy to people who come here – service users and staff alike – but there has been a real uptake in people being able to see Mires Beck and the amazing things we do,” he said.

“A lot of the service users take pride in her and want to make sure she is well looked after.

“She is a valued member of the team.”

Service user Emma said: “We’ve enjoyed having her and we are privileged to have her for years to come,” she added.