EVENT

1 August until 30 September 2024

Included in admission to the exhibition. Complete the trail to win a £30 voucher for the café

The Bar Convent are thrilled to announce that Mary Ward (1585-1645) has been selected as an official ‘York Trailblazer’ and will feature in the citywide sculpture trail this spring.

Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable adventure as we introduce the captivating York Trailblazers—a thrilling city-wide programme that will ignite your imagination. Brought to you by Make It York and York Civic Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this extraordinary initiative will celebrate York’s heritage like never before.

Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey along our magnificent sculpture trail, set to transform the very heart of our city. A vibrant tapestry of awe-inspiring Tansy Beetle sculptures, each one a unique tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped York’s history. From spring to autumn of 2024, our streets will come alive with these remarkable works of art, igniting a sense of wonder and curiosity in everyone who encounters them.

Known as “The Jewel of York”, the endangered Tansy Beetle has been chosen as the emblem of the Trailblazer project, reflecting its special status as a York resident given its riverside habitat along the banks of the River Ouse. The Tansy Beetle’s perseverance echoes the rich history of people from York who have blazed trails locally, nationally and globally, leading the way in their spheres of influence to make the world a better place.