Brought to you by Make It York and York Civic Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Summer 2024 saw vibrant awe-inspiring Tansy Beetle sculptures displayed around York, each one a unique tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped York's history.

Known as “The Jewel of York”, the endangered Tansy Beetle was chosen as the emblem of the Trailblazer project, reflecting its special status as a York resident with its riverside habitat along the banks of the River Ouse. The Tansy Beetle’s perseverance mirrors the rich history of York’s trailblazers who have made significant impacts locally, nationally, and globally.

40 community groups and over 1000 schoolchildren participated in this amazing project, delivering 150 workshops that helped uncover the inspiring history of the trailblazers.

While some of the sculpture artwork was only on display for a few weeks, the Tansy Beetle itself and a digital record of the artwork will continue to celebrate York’s Trailblazers. Discover the playlist below to discover more about some of the incredible York Trailblazers.

As the sculptures have been designed to be as sustainable as possible, all the sculptures have all been rehomed.

Thirteen sculptures have been rehomed at:

• Askham Bryan College (above) – two sculptures will be on display at a tansy beetle themed garden. This location is particularly important – you will see hundreds of Tansy Beetles out over the summer months.
• Park & Ride locations – one each at Askham Bar, Grimston Bar, Monks Cross, Poppleton Bar and Rawcliffe Bar (five total)
• Web Adventure Park (two sculptures)
• Height Designs
• St. Andrew’s Church (which formed one of the Community Groups involved in the project)
• Hempland Primary School (which formed one of the Community Groups involved in the project)
• St. Nicks Environmental Centre (which formed one of the Community Groups involved in the project)

Four sculptures are remaining in their original location at:

• The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre
• West Offices (home to City of York Council)
• Fishergate Primary School
• Sanderson House (home of The Place)

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