Trailblazer 7️⃣: Mary Kitson Clark
Listen to Mary Kitson Clark's Story
About The Sculpture
Find me at: Museum Gardens
W3W: ///allow.zealous.split
Researched by: Yorkshire Philosophical Society
Designed by: Sian Ellis
Mary Kitson Clark, (1905-2005), was one of the first female archaeologists to be recognised in a professional capacity in the UK. Because of her significant contributions to the study and conservation of York’s archaeological heritage. In the 1920s and 30s she worked on many Yorkshire digs, published an invaluable guide to the Roman remains in East Yorkshire and when War came she collected a team of women helpers to pack up and ensure the safe-keeping of the collections of the Yorkshire Museum. York archaeology and history owe her a great deal.
Meet The Artist
Sian Ellis
Sian has created art on a national scale and in a range of mediums, ranging from detailed fine drawing and ceramic sculptures to twelve foot paintings and even a metre long knitted head band for a fiberglass gorilla! Sian has created a number of murals around Yorkshire and has worked on a number of charity sculpture trails across the UK, including designing the title character for the Snooks 2024 sculpture trial in York.
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Meet the York Trailblazers ▸
Explore all 17 York Trailblazers, discover how they influenced York's history, and learn about the artists who brought their stories to life.
Meet The Artists ▸
Get to know the talented artists behind the sculptures and see how they artfully integrated the trailblazers' lives onto the Tansy Beetle.
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Immerse yourself fully in the trail with our free audio guides. Discover the inspiration behind the sculptures and learn about how these incredible people of York made history.
Trail FAQs ▸
What is the York Trailblazers Trail? How long will the trail take to complete? What will happen to the sculptures? And more FAQs!
CRESCENGO - The Jewels of York ▸
CRESCENGO - The Jewels of York, created by SLAP Collective, is a mobile experience where you collect hidden jewels and discover York's history while immersing yourself in its vibrant sounds and stories.
Metalwork Creations ▸
Learn more about Tom Springett of Metalwork Creations, the production company behind the beetles, who bring a rich background of metalwork that has seen an international audience.
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Women and Diversity in Ancient and Tudor York ▸
An extra trail for those wanting to discover more inspiring women of York and the learn about the diversity of the city.
Discover the York Trailblazers: A Deep Dive into Their Stories ▸
This blog offers a deep dive into York Trailblazers sculpture trail, exploring the rich histories of Trailblazers like Anne Lister and W. H. Auden, and their lasting impact.