Find me at: Eye of York 

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Researched by: The Good Organisation

Designed by: Alex Gray

Rather than celebrate an individual ‘trailblazer,’ it serves to commemorate 64 Luddites who were tried in the court in York in 1813. This sculpture was collaboratively created by a small group of people affected by homelessness with the Good Organisation.  The Luddites were a group of early 19th-century workers who protested against the introduction of machinery that they believed threatened their jobs.

The movement began in the textile industry, where mechanised looms and knitting frames were replacing traditional hand-weaving methods, leading to job losses and reduced wages for skilled workers. Although the Luddite movement did not stop the process of industrialisation, it highlighted the social and economic challenges faced by workers during a period of unprecedented change, and many of their underlying concerns still resonate today with the rapid rise of AI and digital technology.

The aforementioned trial in York, which ran between 2 January 1813 and finished ten day later, was designed to act as a deterrent to the self organisation of ordinary working people, and the first three to be hanged (in the middle of the trail) were accused of being ringleaders. They were George Mellor, William Thorpe and Thomas Smith, and were all under the age 23.

❝I wanted to be a part of the Trailblazer project because I thought it was genius to teach everyone about the rich history of York in an amazing way - art. Having the Tansy beetle sculptures throughout the city for people to explore and find is a great way for people to engage.

It’s been amazing to be included amongst so many talented local artists and see their different styles, how they’ve approached their beetle and what materials they’ve chosen to work with. I was thrilled to be picked by the Good Organisation and create the vision they had for the Luddite beetle. What they do is incredible and I hope to work with them again!❞

Tansy Beetle Sculpture: The sculpture by Good Organisation emerged through a series of informal conversations with 15 people affected by homelessness in York. Instead of celebrating an individual local 'trailblazer,' the group chose to commemorate 64 Luddites who were tried during a 'Special Commission' at York Assizes in 1813.

The Luddites: Luddites were an early 19th-century workers movement which protested against machinery they believed threatened their jobs and livelihoods. The movement began in the textile industry, where mechanised looms replaced traditional hand-weaving, leading to job losses and reduced wages for skilled workers. Although the Luddite movement didn’t stop industrialisation, it highlighted the social and economic challenges workers faced during a period of unprecedented change, and many of their fears still resonate today, with the rapid rise of AI and digital technology.

The term "Luddite" is often used derogatorily to describe those who oppose new technology or progress. However, the original movement’s concerns ran much deeper, focusing on who controlled production in terms of quality, skills, safety, wages, and prices. Luddites also raised funds to influence Parliament and campaigned to protect apprenticeship laws and workers' rights, making them early precursors to the trade union movement.

The 'Show Trial': The 'show trial' in York, from January 2 to January 12, 1813, was seemingly designed to deter the self-organisation of ordinary workers. The first three hanged, accused of being ringleaders, were George Mellor, William Thorpe, and Thomas Smith, all under 23 years old. Their bodies were dissected at York County Hospital, most likely to prevent their funerals from becoming focal points for further protest.

The Sculpture: Luddites gained notoriety for smashing machinery, so North Yorkshire artist Alex Gray was tasked with conceptualising this aspect. After exploring various ideas and creating mood boards, Alex was given free rein to sculpt a piece reflecting the Luddite movement. Her degree in Theatre and Performance Design from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and her set-building skills were crucial in the final design.

Connect with Alex via LinkedIn: Alex Gray

Good Organisation (Social Ventures) CIC: This Community Interest Company supports some of York’s most marginalised residents to share in the positive benefits of the city’s thriving tourism sector, and has piloted a number of successful initiatives to that end. The organisation provides learning opportunities and offers intensive personal development support to individuals affected by homelessness, substance addiction, and/or those with experience of the criminal justice system.

Find out more about their work: Good Organisation

Explore the stories of these inspiring trailblazers as you navigate the York Trailblazers Sculpture Trail. Each sculpture and story adds a unique piece to the rich tapestry of York's history, celebrating the diverse contributions of its remarkable residents.