1st July 2022
From this Saturday, (2 July) 42 decorated puffins will be dotted across the East Yorkshire coast to create a new sculpture trail.
You will be able to search for them from Bempton and Flamborough in the north to Easington and Kilnsea in the south, as well as Bridlington, Hornsea, Withernsea, Beverley, Risby and Hull who will all have their own Puffin mini-trails.
Hull Maritime has sponsored one of the 42 puffins and selected ‘A Headscarf Revolutionary’ by Hull-based artist, Susan Woolhouse. This sculpture celebrates and pays tribute to the women who were part of the Hessle Road Women’s Committee, including Lilian Bilocca, Yvonne Blenkinsop, Mary Denness and Christine Smallbone (later Jensen) who relentlessly campaigned for improved safety measures on Hull’s trawlers in the 1960s.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “This looks like a great project. I know from past experience that public art installations like this one really capture people’s attention locally.
“The Hull Maritime 1.5m tall puffin will raise awareness of the Headscarf Revolutionaries and their commitment to improving the safety of all the trawlermen who sailed from Hull.
“The trail brings art and learning together in unique and creative ways. We know from past trails just how popular they are, and we hope everyone will enjoy searching for them this summer.”
Susan has fishing and trawling in her blood, her forefathers went to sea on trawlers. Susan, said: “The night the Ross Cleveland sank in February 1968 my father, Arthur, was Bosun on board the Kingston Almandine, I was 6 months old.
“My mother was at home with three children, and as all the families she waited and hoped her loved one would come home safe after every trip. We were lucky my father and brother survived this profession, as so many didn’t.
“I have so much gratitude and respect for these women and the changes they made. My puffin is Elsie named after my maternal Nana, she embodies all of the women of the Hessle Road Community of that time, who waited in hope and stood up for what was right.
“I hope by reigniting the story of 1968 she inspires women and girls today to use their voices and stand for change wherever they encounter injustice.”
Project Manager and co-director Clare Huby explained: “Puffins Galore! makes great connections between art, commerce, the general public and our charities. This feels more important than ever considering the separation we have all endured over the last two years.
“Past experience with the Larkin Toads and A Moth for Amy tells us that members of the public really enjoy these animal sculpture trails. It is an event that all the family can take part in – finding the puffins, taking photos and discovering the ideas that have inspired our artists.”
Each puffin has been sponsored by a business or institution which has chosen their unique design from artists’ submissions inspired by stories of the East Yorkshire Coast, endangered wildlife of our coasts and seas, global warming and the growth of green energy.
At the end of Puffins Galore! all of the Puffin sculptures will be sold, either to their sponsor or at a grand charity auction. The proceeds from these sales will be donated to four chosen charities Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, RNLI, RSPB and Hornsea Inshore Rescue, selected for their important role in the protection of the wildlife of the seas and coasts or for their essential work saving lives at sea.
The puffin sculpture will nest in Queen Victoria Square, Hull city centre opposite Hull Maritime Museum until the end of October.
For more information visit Puffins Galore! at http://puffinsgalore.co.uk/
