In May 2024, York Central’s development partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, were the successful bidders for “Webbo” at Make It York’s Snook auction, which raised an impressive £27,050 to support St Leonard’s Hospice and the York Creates Fund.
Held at York Barbican, attendees gathered to bid on the 22 four-and-a-half-foot Snooks sculptures which were scattered around the city of York, forming the Snooks Trail, during March and April 2024.
On the night, some of the highest bids on the Snooks included All Creatures Great and Small, designed by Amy Husband, which was sold for an impressive £3,000; Secret Garden (‘Mistlethwaite’), designed by Amy Bourbon, which went for £1,950; and Webbo, designed by Gemma Wood, which went for £1,500 to York Central’s development partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate.
Tom Gilman, Managing Director at McLaren Regeneration, said: “The Snooks Trail was a great way to engage with the local community and raise vital funds for the essential work of St Leonards Hospice in providing care and support for the terminally ill, and those with life limiting illnesses.
“We’re really pleased to have been the successful bidder for ‘Webbo’, which further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting arts and culture in York, and we’re already exploring other initiatives that will give back to the community in the city.”
Living in the grounds of the Principal Hotel during the trail, Webbo the Snook will be moved to the York Central Project Office, where she’ll take up temporary residence to oversee the project’s progress, before being located permanently somewhere within the York Central site
Sarah Loftus, Manager Director of Make It York, said: “I am thrilled by the overwhelming support shown by our community. The success of this event radiated positivity and showed the collective power in highlighting the work of such worthy causes.
Beyond the auction, the event served as a reminder of the power of community and the significance of coming together to support causes that resonate with our shared values.”
Emma Brown, Senior Manager – Planning and Enabling at Homes England concluded: “It’s been fantastic to join forces with other local businesses to support this unique and very worthy initiative that celebrates York in fun and creative way, while raising funds for a great charity. Everything we do is about engaging the local community and this has proved another way to introduce York Central to new audiences.”
For the full story on the Snooks visit, Make it York.
Photo credit: Make It York and Big Old House
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