A spectacular replica of Beverley Minster is to be created at the town’s Flemingate centre … made entirely from sand!
The three metre high sculpture will be designed and built by husband and wife sand artists Paul and Remy Hoggard, using 80 tonnes of sand and taking up to three weeks to complete.
The replica Minster will be the first of 12 sand sculptures forming an extraordinary public art trail at various locations around Beverley, entitled “Beverley through the Ages”.
The trail, inspired by prominent local buildings, objects and people, will see Paul and Remy use between 10 and 80 tonnes of sand to create each art installation.
Beverley-born Paul said: “We’re very excited that we’ll soon be starting work on the Beverley Minster sculpture at Flemingate, to launch the sand trail. It’s especially exciting for me that we’ll be creating a series of our works of art in my home town.
“Beverley Minster is the jewel in Beverley’s crown and we’ll ensure our replica will be stunning in its detail and intricacies, just like the Minster itself.
“Not all of the locations on the sand trail have been decided yet, but we will draw on historic facts and events for inspiration, and make the trail a truly memorable attraction.”
Work on the replica Beverley Minster will start at Flemingate in mid-June. Once completed, the installation will be protected with a transparent cover, preserving the sand sculpture from the elements for months or even longer.
Paul applying the finishing touches to a sand sculpture.
Graham Tait, Flemingate Centre Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be the site of the Beverley Minster sand sculpture and to be the first location for this incredible trail.
“I’ve seen pictures of Paul and Remy’s sand art and it’s absolutely amazing. We can’t wait to see their work take shape at Flemingate.
“The sand art will be built on our green area by Armstrong Way, in the shadow of the actual Minster.
“The finished sculpture will be protected, so it can be enjoyed for many months, and we plan to keep it in place at least until the end of the year.
“It’s sure to become quite a draw. People will be able to visit the real Minster and then see the sand sculpture, or vice versa!”
The newly-refurbished Rose & Crown pub is earmarked as the second location to feature on the trail but the subject matter has yet to be revealed.
Remy working on one of her sand creations.
The artists, who split their time between a farm in Bulgaria and a sailing boat in Holland, travel the world creating their amazing works of sand art, and are currently working on an 800-tonne project in Denmark.
The project is being funded through sponsorship of each installation. Individuals or organisations interested in supporting the trail should contact campbellatkinsonltd@outlook.com.
For more details click here or follow the Beverley Sand Sculpture Trail on Facebook here.
The sand sculpture is the latest example of Flemingate being used for community events and initiatives and boosting Beverley as a visitor destination.
