York News for Travel Writers/Feature Editors – July 2007

 

Further Info & Photographs From: Kay Hyde, PR Manager or Sarah Lilleyman, PR Assistant, York Tourism Bureau. Tel 01904 554451/554436 Email: kh@york-tourism.co.uk  sl@york-tourism.co.uk

Would you like to visit York on a press trip? If you're interested in writing a travel feature about York we’d be delighted to hear from you. Looking for a different angle? Why not visit our website www.visityork.org/media click on themed fact sheets for ideas.

Main News

York – European Tourism City of the Year

It’s official – York is the best city to visit in Europe! In June York was crowned ‘European Tourism City of the Year at the fist ever European Cities Tourism Awards, beating off stiff competition from other finalists Gothenburg and Valencia. The city’s Tourism Bureau is thrilled York has won this award and hopes this will give our travel writer colleagues and customers just one more reason to visit. Press Contact: Kay Hyde.

York Prepares For Its Biggest Archaeological Dig In Decades

Dig Hungate – The biggest archaeological dig to take place in York for 25 years opened in May this year. The Hungate excavation is York's largest archaeological dig since the famous Coppergate dig of the late 1970s – when archaeologists unearthed remains from Jorvik, the Viking City. Dig Hungate is part of the Hungate (York) Regeneration scheme, creating a new Hungate community whilst its past is revealed. The Hungate area, just near Stonebow in the city centre will eventually (five years from now) become a new development of shops, restaurants and city housing but meanwhile the archaeologists are at work discovering more of the city’s past. The site now covers four hectares of archaeological activity, with the dig expected to continue for over five years. Speculation has already been high as to what hidden treasures lie hidden underneath Hungate. Could it be the long searched for Roman amphitheatre? Could there be ancient Viking settlements? One thing is for sure - the dig will reveal many ancient artefacts providing yet more learnings on how our ancient ancestors lived and how York functioned in the past.

Guided Tours - Tours to the site will start from York’s newest visitor attraction DIG, which is based at the Medieval church of St Saviours on St Saviourgate. Tours will include:

• A visit to the Hungate excavation

• The chance to watch the team excavating the site

• An exclusive view of the exhibitions that tell the story of Hungate (from 2008)

• The chance to see behind the scenes as archaeologists process the finds discovered (from 2008)

• Opportunities to experience the work of an archaeologist in special DIG Live! Workshops (school holidays only)

Guided Tours cost £1.00 per person. Places on the tours will be limited, to pre-book call 01904 543402. Hungate DIG live workshops will be offered as part of the guided tour to the Hungate excavation. Visitors will be given the opportunity at the end of their tour to return to DIG and take part in activities undertaken by archaeologists throughout a typical dig. Activities will include some of the following:

• Sorting and labelling finds

• Archaeological illustration

• Photography

• Finding levels and using bench marks

• Washing finds (subject to the weather)

• Basic flotation of environmental evidence

Other Workshops are ongoing throughout the year including family history workshops, the memory box, kids Saturday morning clubs, and a young archaeologists club. For full details visit the website www.dighungate.com or telephone 01904 543402. Press Contact: Matt Thompson at Harrison Cowley Tel 0870 606 0960 email matt.thompson@harrisoncowley.com . Dig Hungate is located off Stonebow, City Centre. Visit www.dighungate.com .

York Dungeon Launches New Ghosts of York Feature For 2007

York Dungeon launches a new ‘Ghosts of York’ feature this July. In the most haunted city in Europe, gruesome highlights of this new permanent feature include the horrifying realities of the plague of 1348, the mystery of the Labyrinth of the Lost, the twisted mind of the resident torturer in the torture chambers and more gruesome goings on besides. Everyone from a first time guest to a seasonal visitor will be left screaming for more. Public Contact Tel 01904 632599 visit www.thedungeons.com Press Contact: Laura Shackleton Tel 01904 612602.

Castle Howard - The Family Home At Christmas

Castle Howard, York, will be opening for Christmas in 2007, following the success of last year's opening. Between Saturday 24th November and Sunday 16th December, the Howard family will be welcoming visitors to experience the magic of their Christmas at Castle Howard. The house will be adorned with the Howard family's own decorations and traditional fresh foliage displays. Friendly guides will be located throughout the house to share tales of Christmas past and present, as visitors move between decorated rooms lit by flickering candles and cosy fires. Visitors will also be able to shop at Castle Howard's award-winning Farm Shop, which sells a wide range of seasonal, local food, including Bronze turkeys and Castle Howard Aberdeen Angus beef. The Plant Centre will sell estate-grown Christmas trees and hand-made wreaths. During the weekends Father Christmas will be in his grotto and festive entertainment will take place in the Stable Courtyard. Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk . Press Contact: Eleanor Course, Tel 01653 648625 email: press@castlehoward.co.uk

This summer Castle Howard is being used as a location in Ecosse Films' new film of Brideshead Revisited. The Hon. Simon Howard said that he was "delighted that Castle Howard was to be one of the central players in the new film of Brideshead Revisited. Castle Howard undoubtedly provided some inspiration for Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead with its dome and fountain, and we are proud to be part of the new Ecosse Films production." Press Contact Eleanor Course Tel 01653 648625 Email:press@castlehoward.co.uk

New Insiders Guide to Clever Shopping …

What kind of shopper are you? Do you love the experience of a High Street spree – trying on clothes, stumbling across a designer must-have item, stopping for coffee or perhaps a bite to eat to refuel your desire for more shopping? Or, do you always search the Internet to find the best shopping offers, comparing prices and delighting in getting a great deal? Well now you can have the best of both worlds. Two North Yorkshire entrepreneurs have launched the bargain-hunter’s bible; an ambitious new venture to lure savvy shoppers back into High Street shops. From the superhighway to the High Street, Helen Butters and Rebecca Bramwell have joined forces to launch The Sales Bible – www.thesalesbible4york.co.uk - a web-based business initially aimed at becoming York’s definitive shopping guide to new lines, sales and promotions; your very own local High Street low-down. The idea was born out of the pair’s shared love of High Street bargain hunting and ultimately they aim to roll out the idea across Britain’s major shopping towns.

Helen explained “one of the reasons our High Street shops have seen a drop in footfall is because savvy shoppers choose to save time and money by shopping on the Internet. Our website combines the best of both worlds: customers log on to find the latest bargains, they can also purchase our ‘Exclusive Card 4 York’ and then have the fun of actually going out armed with their exclusive shopper’s knowledge of exactly where to be a clever shopper. What we refer to as ‘the insiders guide to clever shopping’.” The Sales Bible aims to re-ignite our love for High Street sale shopping. Visit www.thesalesbible4york.co.uk Press Contact: Rebecca Bramwell or Helen Butters on 01757 24 25 25 email enquiries@thesalesbible4york.co.uk

New Shopping Guide Launches in July

York’s popular shopping trail will be re-launched this July. Titled ‘Five Routes To Shopping Heaven’, the self guided walking trail includes five themed walking trails aimed to help you get the most out of shopping in York. The newly revised publication now includes fifty shops that are unique to the city. Where else could you find such a range of unique, independent and designer shops so happily intertwined with such magnificent buildings and peaceful havens? In York, shopping, pampering and relaxation are easily combined.

Follow our Designer Wear trail for the pick of the best and if you’re on the hunt for a unique gift or piece of original designer jewellery then follow our Something Special trail. The city is renowned too for its array of antique and book dealers, and if you're looking for interior design ideas or on the lookout for a signature piece to make a statement in your home, you'll find York is full of inspiration – check out the Designer Living and Antiques Trail. Mind, body and soul are also catered for, with wonderful spas and beauty salons, gorgeous gardens, shady squares, riverside walks and delightful eateries. After a full day’s shopping take your pick from two Pampering Trails. Follow these shopping trails to discover York's best kept shopping secrets. For a free trail leaflet call the Visitor information centre on 01904 550099 or visit www.visityork.org/shopping Press Contact: Kay Hyde.

Dales Discovery

This new company launched this summer with a full programme of walking holidays in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. York is the perfect base to discovery England’s most beautiful national parks. Dales Discovery exists to offer the best chauffeured golf and guided walking holidays in North Yorkshire. Golf breaks are tailor made. Dales Discovery arranges accommodation, tee-off times and a chauffeur. These guided walking breaks are based in quality hotels in York, Harrogate, Skipton and Ilkley. Group sizes are 10 – 15 made up of singles, couples and groups. Each day there’s a drive by luxury mini-bus into the Dales or Moors followed by one 1 longish 4 to 5 hour walk, or 2 shorter walks, each about 2 to 3 hours. Press and Public Contact: email MikeFox1966@aol.com Tel 0798 2744529 visit www.dalesdiscovery.co.uk

Spiritual Tourism at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, near Ripon, is the only ruined abbey in Yorkshire still holding religious services for the public to attend. The tradition of prayer, meditation and reflection began on this site in 1134 when a handful of Cistercian monks began building the magnificent Abbey, and today, nearly 900 years later this tradition is still alive. The Abbey is offering six opportunities throughout the year to join in organised group worship in the Abbey ruins, starting with Good Friday and ending with a beautiful candle lit carol service in December. Another lesser known spiritual treasure is tucked away on the estate in the Studley Royal medieval Deer Park: one of only two William Burges designed churches stands here; St Mary’s. This High Victorian Gothic church looks like any other from the outside but the interior is richly decorated with bold colours and bright gold, friezes and beautifully ornate stained glass. Five guided tours of the church are given each year and visits by groups can arrange private tours on request. Feed your soul and take time to simply ‘be’, at this breath taking, inspirational monument to human endeavour and the most complete remaining ruins of a Cistercian Abbey in the country. Public Contact Tel 01765 608888. Press Contact: Tel Jenny Coupland, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Estate Office, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY email jenny.coupland@nationaltrust.org.uk Tel 01765 643199 visit www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

The Treasurer’s House Launches Summer and Autumn Events

An unusual programme of events has been launched by the Treasurers House in York including: A Special Butler’s Tour – (19 Aug, 12 Sept, 17 Oct) - Discover what life was like above and below stairs with ‘Downey’, the Edwardian butler who once lived and worked at Treasurer’s House, followed by an Edwardian-style breakfast. Booking essential 01904 624247. Also returning again this year is the ever popular Edwardian Breakfast Club (2 Sept, 7 Oct, 10 Nov ). Enjoy a full Edwardian-style breakfast in the historic Tea Rooms. A fabulous brunch of four courses including bucks fizz, fruit compote, porridge, freshly baked muffins, scrambled egg and smoked salmon or kedgeree or honey baked sausages and sauted potatoes or creamed mushrooms, plus homemade preserves and granary toast, freshly brewed tea or coffee. Booking essential due to high demand. Tel 01904 624247. Suitable for children 10yrs and over. Other events include ‘All Sconed Out’, a Haunt and Find Halloween Trail, ghost cellars tours, and an Edwardian-style high tea with a chance to discover how to clean and care for your antiques at home. Booking and enquiry number 01904 624247. Email:treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk . Media contact: Jane Whitehead or Jim Lowe 01904 685561/685563

York Observatory Opens to the Public

York Observatory will be open to the public every Wednesday throughout the summer. The fascinating building, that once helped people in York tell the time, is in good working order. The Observatory houses a clock made by Barraud of London in 1811 which tells the time based observations of the positions of stars. It was once the clock by which all others in York were set and is still always four minutes, 20 seconds, behind Greenwich Mean Time. In the middle of the 19th century it was the most accurate timepiece in York and unless you were a member of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, it would cost sixpence to check a timepiece against the Observatory Clock. Press Contact: Lee Clark, York Museums Trust, Tel 01904 687673 or email lee.clark@ymt.org.uk or visit www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

Maize Maze

Open from Saturday 21July – Sunday 9 September 2007

York Maze is gearing up to open on Saturday 21st July. The York Maze is the largest and most visited maize maze in the world. It is the size of 15 football pitches and is visited by 60,000 people in the eight weeks it is open. Each year it has captured the media and the public’s attention with a-mazing (pardon the pun) aerial images. Last year the theme was Star Trek. 2007 seemed the perfect year for the organisers to choose a James Bond inspired maze. The theme also coincides with the release of Goldfinger this summer - John Barry – the famous composer of all Bond music - originates from York. The design of the maze will show Roger Moore and Bond’s most famous car – the original Aston Martin DB5.

Visitors tackle talking sculptures to find their way through the giant maze. Other attractions include: tractor trailer rides through a section of the maze, children’s play areas, farm animals (and pig racing), crazy golf and the maze of illusions. There is a café area serving snacks and a gift shop. Events during the season will include Haunted Horror Maze nights, a Naked Maze night, Yorkshire Day straw bale racing, a sweetcorn festival, a beach party and BBQ, torchlight maze nights and a dog agility day. York Maze is located next to Grimston Bar Park & Ride on the A1079 Hull Road, York. Sat Nav reference YO19 5LA. Telephone: 01904 415364, www.yorkmaze.co.uk . Press Contact: Kay Hyde. Also David Leon, Partners Leisure, Tel: 01904 610077, david@partners-group.co.uk .

Enjoy the King of Sports at Middlethorpe Hall & Spa.

At York’s top hotel, Middlethorpe Hall, you don’t have to be a King to enjoy a good game of polo. Arrive early Sunday afternoon, maybe bringing a picnic hamper with you, and you’ll be in time to watch some very exciting club chukkas at White Rose Polo Club – a mere 25 minutes from the hotel. Afterwards, check into the hotel and enjoy a swim in the delightful Spa, or a walk in award-winning gardens, before a tempting and relaxing three-course candlelit dinner. After your stay in one of the hotel’s luxury bedrooms, enjoy the famous full Yorkshire breakfast, and return to the Polo Club for a private polo lesson with a qualified HPA coach. Rates are from £290 for a double or twin bedded room, and from £220 for a single room. Tel 01904 641241 or visit www.middlethorpe.com Press Contact: Chrysso Koutas on 020 7432 9741 or chrysso@iscott.co.uk

York Minster’s St William Window restored

The St William Window in York Minster, one of the most important pieces of medieval stained glass in the world, has now been superbly restored (June). The Dean and Chapter of York celebrated the completion of the work with a series of events timed to coincide with St William’s Day on 8th June. The window depicts the miracles of St William of York, including what is said to be the only miracle attributed to him that took place during his lifetime: when St William returned triumphantly to York, a crowd gathered on the wooden Ouse Bridge, the bridge collapsed under the strain of the crowd, but no one was hurt as St William blessed the crowd. The window has been hidden from view for ten years. Dr Christopher Norton has undertaken extensive research and the panels have been worked on by the skilled craftspeople of the York Glaziers Trust. Research and new techniques have been ground-breaking and will prove invaluable as the Dean and Chapter of York prepare to restore York Minster’s Great East Window: the largest expanse of medieval Glass in the world. Press Contact Alix Peacock. Tel: 01904 557216 or email alixp@yorkminster.org

Artspace – Getting Arty in York …

Artspace York was set up in November 2005. Both frustrated with the York art scene Greg McGee and his wife Ails (an art teacher), set up this unusual venue as a place where anyone who is interested in art can go along, create an art piece or just look at the changing exhibitions. Ails has a Degree in arts and textiles from Bretton Hall Leeds University and Greg is an English and Drama teacher who trained at University of Leeds. The studio runs a wide range of workshops every day, and every week night including:

Monday: Jewellery/Felt making

Tuesday: Painting a Canvas

Wednesday: Life Drawing

Thursday: Life Drawing

Friday: Art Jamming

The range of abilities is wide, from real beginners to very accomplished artists. At the popular Art Jamming sessions visitors can bring a bottle of wine or beer or enjoy tea/coffee and paint in an easy going, relaxed atmosphere. You’ll get as much freedom or as much guidance as you want. Weekends are taken up with the 'Sketch Book Club' – visitors can come and learn every arty technique under the sun. Children's sessions run on Saturday and Sunday mornings whilst parents can enjoy an hour off whilst staff help the little uns harness whatever arty skill has been eluding them. Arty Parties are very popular - the birthday boy/girl can choose their activity (mosaic making/jewellery/illustrations/painting/T-Shirt prints to name a few), they can play their own CDs and Greg and Ails take photos and provide visitors with their own online gallery. As for exhibitions, Artspace rigourously changes its theme every 6 weeks. Press and Public Contact: Gregory McGee email gmcgeefoto@hotmail.com Visit www.theartspaceyork.com

Coming Up - The ArtSpace, a solo exhibition for Doug Binder

Doug Binder was heavily involved in the arts scene of London in the 'Swinging Sixties' and was a regular guest at parties thrown by the glitterazzi of the day. Binder is often seen as the father of pop-psychedelic decor, with the Beatles being his most famous first customers. He was also involved with The Roundhouse, a famous London venue that was host to the biggest musical acts of the 60's and 70's. He turned his back on international status and celebrity commissions in order to pursue his original interest in representative oil painting. Binder is currently the curator at the Dean Clough galleries in Halifax, West Riding, and is one of the site's in-situ artists. He is still an active contributor to the galleries but has so far been very reluctant to sell any more than just a few of his works, until this spring's exhibition at Dean Clough, and this autumn's exhibition at York's edgiest gallery, The ArtSpace. The exhibition runs 14th September to 30th September 2007.

Restaurant News

A Fitting Tribute To York’s Chocolate Heritage

J Baker’s Bistro Moderne has opened (May) a dedicated ‘Chocolate Room’

Just over 12 months since opening J Baker’s Bistro Moderne on York’s historic Fossgate, owners Jeff Baker and Neil Nugent are now proud to announce the opening of the ‘Chocolate Room’ – a zone dedicated to the celebration of fine chocolate. “We had the idea for the Chocolate Room pretty much from the start. Given the city of York is world famous for the manufacturer of chocolate, we thought it a fitting tribute to that local industry having part of J Baker’s zoning in on nothing but chocolate. We’ve created a chocolate menu, which encourages anyone who loves chocolate to enjoy chocolate’s every dimension – quite simply you can eat it, drink it – even sniff it”, says chef-proprietor Jeff Baker.

Examples of what’s in store for the choco-diner are:

• Heavenly chocolate dishes such as Milk Chocolate Fondue, Banana Split with Chocolate Ice Cream and even Daily Special ‘Chocolate bars’ - all £4.50

• J Bakers’ famous handmade Armagnac Truffles- plate £1.95, or in a box for £3.50

• Meantime Chocolate beer (6,5 ABV) £3.50

• Overcoming the nightmare of pairing chocolate with wine – there are selected wines, Champagne, pudding wines (by the glass) – all from £2.95

J Baker’s Bistro Moderne in York was voted Yorkshire Post Restaurant of Year 2006, Yorkshire Life ‘City Restaurant of Year’ 2006 and reviewed by Terry Durrack of the Independent “ J Baker’s is all about great produce turned into great food”. Public Contact Tel 01904 622688 visit www.jbakers.co.uk Press Contact: Jeff Baker 01904 622 688 - jeff.baker@jbakers.co.uk OR Neil Nugent 07711674917 - neil.nugent@asda.co.uk

Nineteen Restaurant - New – July 2007

19 Grape Lane

York

YO1 7HU

Tel 01904 636366

Nineteen is possibly York’s oldest restaurant, as records how the building has been used since the fifteenth century. 19 Grape Lane has seen a variety of of businesses throughout the last five hundred years, in the 1850’s it was a coaching inn known as the Bloomsbury Inn, and before that it was known as a house of ill repute. In the Victorian era Grape Lane was actually named Grope Lane in reference to the many brothels that abounded in this former red light district. Today the area is one of the prettiest in the city and 19 Grape Lane has been refurbished to a high standard providing a relaxed, stylish and contemporary restaurant. Now run by Chef Proprietor Phill Upton, formerly head chef at the Ivy Brasserie, the Grange Hotel. Nineteen offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with simple, traditional British food with a modern twist, using fresh local ingredients from local suppliers.

Hotel News

Star Performance by York Hotel

Little more than a year ago it was a backpackers’ hostel. Now it has joined the sumptuous ranks of Middlethorpe Hall with a four-star rating from the AA. Marmadukes Hotel, on St Peters Grove, has also been awarded a Rosette for its restaurant. To achieve four stars a hotel must offer excellent facilities and employ “attentive staff” who “provide a very good level of service”. The rating puts Marmadukes on a par with famous names like the Royal York Hotel and Aldwark Manor. Hotel owner David Hattersley has recently spent £5 million transforming the budget hostel into a luxurious boutique hotel, complete with antique furniture, a Roman garden and relaxation suite boasting hot tub and sauna. This is the second recent honour for Marmadukes, run by Chris and Emma Watkins. It became the only venue in York to be welcomed into Classic British Hotels, an exclusive consortium of Britain’s 50 best independent places to stay. Marmadukes is part of David’s de Bretton Private Collection, which also includes the 700-year-old Lendal Tower complex, Harvilles Restaurant – both in York – and a growing number of holiday cottages. Reservations Tel Marmadukes 01904 640099. Press Contact: Chris Titley Tel 01904 412867 or 07751 532248, or visit www.marmadukeshotels.com

Hotel Du Vin Scheduled to Open in November

The Mount, York

Top class luxury hotel chain Hotel Du Vin will open its four star luxury hotel in York this November (2007). Originally a Georgian manor, the two-storey grade 2 listed building on The Mount is currently undergoing a re-vamp which will include the renovation of the interior and a baroque style courtyard complex - worth an estimated £9 million. In addition to 44 boutique style bedrooms, bar and bistro, the hotel will have state of the art conferencing facilities and 3 acres of landscaped gardens. Press Contact Tel The Massey Partnership 0207637 3220 or visit www.hotelduvin.com

New Exhibitions

Old Royalty Gets The Acid Touch In New Exhibition

The Royal Family is in the frame, meticulously caricatured to within an inch of the treasonable, in the exhibition At Home with the Royals, featuring some of James Gillray’s finest and funniest late 18th century drawings and showing at Fairfax House, York, from 6th August to 30th September 2007.

The “warts and all” approach of the ruthless satirist to his hapless victims of the blood royal, with a generous pinch of politicians thrown in for good measure, was a huge source of humour in the England of the late 1700’s, mid-way through the reign of King George 111. The public found scandal and royal dalliances an endless source of fun. In London, crowds would gather outside the shop windows of print sellers (a print’s size matched that of the window pane), for a glimpse of Gillray’s witty ‘take’ on the latest gossip, rumour or scandal at the court of King George - and there was plenty. Says Fairfax House Director, Peter Brown: “It has been said that Gillray ‘seems to have had all the manners of a hungry cat in mid-spring’ and he was arguably a brilliant forerunner to Private Eye, if not the father and mother of all satirists who followed him. Public enquiries Tel 01904 655543 or visit www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk . Press Contact: Peter Brown Tel: 01904 655543 Email: peterbrown@fairfaxhouse.co.uk

Fairfax House launched its new website in June at www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk The new-look website, designed by Eddy Lambert from Salvonet, will give visitors to the site the opportunity to take an on-line tour and view the magnificent 18th century Georgian rooms complete with furniture, silver, ceramics, glass and paintings. The tour details a selection of the Fairfax House collection and offers a fascinating insight into Georgian life.

Where Wolves Once Roamed…Natural History of St Mary’s Abbey and its Lands

At the Yorkshire Museum From April for 12 months

The fascinating wildlife that once roamed around Yorkshire is at the centre of a new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum. Beavers, wild cats and even wolves were once native to the lands owned by St Mary’s Abbey, York. The exhibition looks at these amazing creatures and also the wildlife that lives around the abbey ruins in the Museum Gardens today – which includes a few creatures visitors may find surprising. Pip Strang, assistant curator of natural history, said: “It is hard to believe but 900 years ago wolves roamed the lands owned by St Mary’s, and beavers swam in the rivers. They may be now long gone but beautiful creatures like foxes, sparrowhawks and owls are still visitors to our gardens right here in the centre of York. “This exhibition will show people the animals which are no longer seen in Yorkshire and, using our Garden Explorer, help people hunt for clues for those that still visit the grounds of the abbey today.” The first gallery will look at the different ways in which plants and animals were used or represented in and around the medieval monastery. The second gallery will look at the natural history of the abbey today, which now lies in the Museum Gardens. The gardens were first laid out 200 years ago and since then they have become home to a wide variety of plants and animals which will be included in the exhibition. A Garden Explorer booklet sold in the museum shop will help visitors to explore the gardens to look for the variety of trees, plants, lichens, mosses, mammals, birds and insects that live there. Public contact Tel 01904 687687 or visit www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk Press contact Lee Clark, Tel 01904 687673 or email lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Giving Art The Time Of Day – Oct 6 – Jan 6 2008

York Art Gallery’s new exhibition explores how artists use techniques such as light and tone to capture a moment in time. Marking Time will include works by Turner, Sickert and Danby as well as contemporary artist Tacita Dean, to illustrate how day and night can be portrayed in both striking and subtle ways. The paintings will be placed in time order, with a 17th Century glass sundial placed in the centre of the exhibition. The works will be complimented by fine examples of time pieces from the York Museums Trust Collection. Jennifer Alexander, assistant curator of fine art, said: “Whether deliberately or by accident, many paintings contain clues to the time of day in which they are set. This exhibition looks at the interesting ways artists imply this, such as the colour of sky or the activities people are doing. “By bringing together rarely seen highlights of the gallery’s collection and antique time pieces from the York Castle Museum we hope to offer visitors a slightly different, but fascinating perspective on the works on display.” Key works on show will be JMW Turner’s Constance, Walter Sickert’s Twilight and Francis Danby’s Sunset. One of York artist William Etty’s most famous paintings, The Bridge of Sighs, will also be on show together with contemporary artist Tacita Dean’s video art, The Green Ray. For more information visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk or Tel 01904 687687. Press Contact: Lee Clark 01904 687673.

Tracey Emin - York Art Gallery: October 6 – January 27

The work of one of the most popular and controversial artists in Britain will go on show at York Art Gallery this autumn. The exhibition entitled Tracey Emin with feature works on paper, photography and textiles, all of which have been generously loaned to the gallery from a private collector in Yorkshire. The exhibition’s launch coincides with Emin’s new show for the British Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale. Caroline Worthington, curator of art at the gallery, said: “Emin is one of the most well known artists in recent years and for good reason. Her autobiographic works challenge people and force a reaction while at the same time offering us a glimpse of her very personal world.” The small selection of art that will go on show include etchings, lithographic prints, screen prints, textiles and photography. Among them are a portrait of Kate Moss and works such as Self Portrait 12-11-01, 2001, Little Owl – Self Portrait, 2005, Sometimes I Feel Lonely But It’s OK, 2002 and 1623, a Handbag for Longchamp, 2004. visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk or Tel 01904 687687. Press Contact: Lee Clark 01904 687673

Fingerprints of Time

How do your know a crocodile is 165 million years old? What’s the one man-made object that we use today that has been in use for 500,000 years? These are questions that will be answered in a brand new interactive exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum. Fingerprints of Time investigates the age of everything, giving visitors the chance to crack the dating code by experimenting with methods used around the world. Runs until December 31 2007. Visit www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk Press Contact: Lee Clark 01904 687673.

Unfair Trade – March 2007 – March 2008

York Castle Museum’s new thought provoking exhibition marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade. An exhibition exploring the impact of slavery on ordinary people and how York played an active role in its abolition. Unfair Trade draws upon the York Museum Trust’s vast collections to look at the many ways that slavery touched the lives of those living in Yorkshire and how their consumption of slave produced goods contributed to the trade. It also looks at links with contemporary life by asking the visitor to consider where the goods that they buy come from, who produced them and under what conditions.

The exhibition has been organised to coincide with the bicentenary of the abolition of the British slave trade in 2007. Michelle Petyt, curator of the exhibition, said: “This exhibition will focus on slavery from the viewpoint of ordinary people, something that has rarely been looked at in the past. Every day people played their part simply by doing their daily shopping, but many other York residents prospered through trade and commerce especially in such commodities as tea, coffee, sugar and cocoa. It was these products in particular that allowed the slave trade to flourish. ”However York also played a part in the abolition of slavery with the many Quakers in the city strongly supporting William Wilberforce and helping to finance his election campaign.” She added: “By bringing together items from across our fabulous collections we hope to give a valuable insight into this aspect of York’s history that is rarely explored.” Press Contact: Lee Clark 01904 687673.

The Memory of Place by Keiko Mukaide, York St. Mary’s

4 May - 28 October 2007

Internationally renowned Japanese artist Keiko Mukaide brings a stunning new look to York St. Mary’s Church this summer. Keiko, who is well known for her experimental approach to glass will use the space and the light in this medieval church to create her imaginative piece of work, titled ‘The Memory of Place’. Using fire, water, glass, stone, light and sound, she has transformed the interior of the church, creating a spiritual space in which to reflect on the memory of loved ones.

Keiko has constructed a shallow pool of water, which fills the nave of the church. Water gently flows from the west end of the church towards the transept, where a small waterfall allows it to return to the starting point. In the transept, a suspended column of glass rods has been dramatically top-lit, suggesting a spiritual path to a higher place. Visitors are invited to interact with the installation by quietly lighting a votive candle and floating it on the pool. St. Mary’s church is a former medieval church, which is now York’s contemporary art venue. The exhibition runs from 4 May until 28th October 2007 and admission is free. For more information, visit www.yorkstmarys.org.uk Press Contact: Lee Clark, York Museums Trust. Tel: 01904 687670 Email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk .

New for 2007….Behind the Scenes Tours at Castle Howard…

For the first time ever, Castle Howard – Yorkshire’s finest historic house is offering visitors the chance to take a behind the scenes look at the stately home and it’s estate. Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, Castle Howard has always invited people to explore the main House and Gardens, but now visitors can take a guided tour of the Castle’s hidden corners, treasurers and stories. Visitors can take in the Great Fire Tour, which discovers the secrets behind the great fire of 1940, which swept through the house into the Great Hall destroying the dome and 20 rooms, or the Myths and Monsters Tour which looks at the stories of the 18 lead statues hidden in the garden. Other tours include the Architecture Tour, which takes a behind the scene look at the construction of the stately home, the Walled Garden Tour which relives the history of the garden and looks at its current use and the Temple of the Four Winds Tour Press Contact: Eleanor Course, 01653 648625 or email press@castlehoward.co.uk

Upcoming Festivals/Events…

The largest UK Festival of Food and Drink: 21-30 Sept 2007

The York annual Festival of Food and Drink is the largest event of its kind in the UK, and a massive showcase for the restaurants, hotels, shops and food manufacturing companies, which are so much a part of the city, its history and its economy. For ten days food simply takes over as the city hosts an extravaganza of specialist markets, celebrity chef demonstrations, themed dinners, product launches and any number of special events. UK celebrities support the festival, and it continues to grow each year. Public Contact: Tel: 01904 466687 or visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com . Press Contact: Michael Hjort, Tel: 01904 635149, email: mh@yorkhospitality.co.uk , website: www.yorkfoodfestival.com . A dedicated media pack for Cultural York and the cultural calendar for the year is available from the York Tourism Bureau press office Tel Kay Hyde 01905 554451 or visit the media room at www.visityork.org

York National Book Fair At The Knavesmire Suite, York Racecourse

Friday September 14th, 12.00 noon - 7.00pm : Saturday September 15th, 10.00 am - 5.00pm www.yorkbookfair.com info@yorkbookfair.com

The York National Book Fair has a reputation as one of the biggest and best Antiquarian Book Fairs in Britain. The fair is one of the major annual cultural events in the city. It builds upon the reputation of York as a centre for the Antiquarian Book Trade which it has been since the 18th century. In these days of internet bookselling this book fair gives an opportunity to truly experience books – their feel, texture and variety. For those coming by train or just wanting access from the town there will be a free shuttle-bus between York Railway Station and the Racecourse, every 15 minutes throughout the event.

Around two hundred exhibitors, including key London dealers as well as more locally based booksellers, will have books, maps and prints for sale. The variety of exhibitors ensures that there will be a huge variety of material on all subjects and at all prices, to be found amongst the shelves. Some 120,000 books will be for sale. Many of the highlights can be viewed on line in advance of the fair, together with the full catalogue. Visit www.yorkbookfair.com . Books and maps relating to Yorkshire are always a highlight alongside modern first editions, books on the arts and sciences, maps and photographs. Press Contact: Janette Ray, Publicity Manager: Tel 01904 623088/Fax 01904 620814 info@yorkbookfair.com Organised by the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association Old Coach House, 16 Melbourn Street, Royston Herts SG8

BA Festival of Science – 9 – 15 September

The BA Festival of Science brings over 350 of the UK’s top scientists to York to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. There will be a whole week’s worth of wonderful science, from the latest research news and debates about the most topical and challenging issues of our time, to science cinema, exhibitions and hands-on entertainment.

Examples of debates include:

Energy and climate change - the regional perspective

Facing up to genetics

Performance enhancement: the good, the bad and the Olympic Gold

Migration: Britain at the crossroads

Alternative energy - the cutting edge

Free thinking machines or murderous intellects? Artificial intelligence under the microscope

Is space the answer to human progress?

As well as a host of events at the University of York, science will be popping up in all sorts of unexpected places across the city – in theatres, churches and on the street. With a programme covering everything from exciting new advances in entertainment technology, to deep-sea discovery and the science of chocolate, there’s something for everyone. Events will include York Observatory Open Days, Horrible Science Best Bits with Nick Arnold at the York Theatre Royal, a lecture by Robert Winston, film alfresco at York Minster including a projection of the film Brilliant Noise and University of York science projections, the physics of bungee jumping at the Eye of York and much more. Visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience . For a copy of the programme or to receive regular email updates email festival@the-ba.net or call 020 7019 4963. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is a charity which exists to advance the understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering.

The BA Festival of Science is the biggest and most established of its kind in the UK today, in fact this year the Festival returns to its roots 176 years after it first took place in the wonderful city of York in 1831. Did you know that it was at the Festival that the word ‘scientist’ was coined and the first time the word ‘dinosaur’ was used? It was also the location of the famous Huxley-Wilberforce debate in 1860. The Festival is as exciting today as it’s ever been, bringing visitors high profile and eminent scientists and social commentators, including fertility expert Robert Winston, psychologist Simon Baron Cohen, and archaeologist and TV presenter Julian Richards. Press contact Lisa Hendry Tel 020 7019 4946 email lisa.hendry@the-ba.net

 

York Tourist Information Centre - For your free guide to where to stay and what to do in York, telephone 01904 550099 email tourism@yorkvic.co.uk or visit the website at www.visityork.org