22/06/2009

Issued By Barley Hall

An exhibition that digs deep into York's medical history is offering visitors a unique opportunity to see a remarkable collection of grotesques before they are installed in the heights of York Minster.

As part of its ongoing restoration, York Minster is renewing the grotesques that sit at the base of the spire on top of the south buttress of the east front of the building.

The new carvings, which illustrate various ailments and injuries that were common in 14^th century England, have been beautifully carved by the craftsmen of the Minster's Stoneyard.  And for one month only they will make a fitting addition to the Plague, Poverty and Prayer exhibition at Barley Hall, the restored medieval townhouse in the heart of York.

Sarah Maltby, Director of Attractions at York Archaeological Trust, says: "We're very excited to have the opportunity to work in partnership with the York Minster Stoneyard to showcase the grotesques as part of the Plague, Poverty and Prayer exhibition at Barley Hall.

"Our visitors over the next month will be among the few people who will get the chance to explore the detail behind each of the carvings which won't be visible to the naked eye once they are installed 120 feet in the air on the east front of York Minster. Now is the only chance for people to really appreciate the craftsmanship of the grotesques and the exhibition will help to put the ailments and injuries depicted into context of the period."

Rebecca Thompson, superintendent of works for York Minster Stoneyard, says: "It is fabulous to share this beautiful craftsmanship with the public who will get this rare chance to view the works of art up close at Barley Hall."

Plague, Poverty and Prayer, designed by York Archaeological Trust, delves into York's past uncovering gruesome truths about illness and disease, who and what may have treated them, and the importance of folk medicine, prayer, astrology, spells and mysticism to everyone living in Britain from Norman invasion to Tudor times.

Since its launch in February this year, visitors from every continent have enjoyed the exhibition and visitor numbers to Barley Hall are up over 15 per cent on last year.

Barley Hall is currently open from 10am until 5.00pm, daily. Plague, Poverty and Prayer will run throughout 2009 and the carvings will be on display until the end of July.  Visit http://www.barleyhall.org/ to find out more.

Tours for groups are available at York Minster Stoneyard through the Visitors Department. There is also an open day in the Stoneyard once a year. The next is on 14^th August 2009, everyone is welcome.

If you would like to book a tour of the Stoneyard please contact Howard Mosley, Visitor Operations Coordinator, on 01904 557216 or howardm@yorkminster.org. To find out more about the Stoneyard open day and other events and exhibitions at York Minster, please visit http://www.yorkminster.org/

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