We asked guest blogger Nicola Gallear to share what’s happening in her neck of the woods in York, vaguely aware that it’s not all happening in the centre…it appears there’s a thriving South Bank scene…
Wander from the city centre of York over Skeldergate Bridge and you will find yourself in the South Bank, the quiet residential area where I live. Lately excited locals have been peering curiously at a striking new sculpture which has recently appeared on the green.
This new local talking point entitled ‘Conversation Piece’ was produced by York based artist Ailsa Magnus working in partnership with local children and community groups as part of a regeneration project. It features three figures representing the past, present and future of the area and in particular its history as the home of York Races and the Terry’s of York factory now under redevelopment.
And not only that, visitors to the artwork who find their artistic appetites whetted can then slip across the road to where an old shop has just been transformed into a small studio gallery. Corner Gallery (open Thursday to Saturday) is both a display space and an open studio where you can drop in for a chat with the artists, Veronica Ongaro and Andres Jaroslavsky, as they work. Veronica is a printmaker whose work reflects her love of the natural world and Andres specialises in portraiture.
Walk down to the end of Scarcroft Road and then turn right onto Blossom Street and you will find York’s 1937 art deco Odeon. Having shut in 2006 the cinema was finally re-opened last year by Reel Cinemas following an impassioned campaign by locals. This truly historical building still bears its original Odeon sign which is now the only one of its kind left in the UK and it’s very unusual brick facade is due to demands made by city officials to design it sympathetically with the nearby city walls. Its reinstatement as a working cinema has been warmly welcomed by the local community and just last week plans were announced for a fifth screen. Let’s hope Bradford Odeon can fare as well.
Back in the South Bank take a turn down Charlton Street to find one of York’s largest parks. Rowntree Park was opened in memory of the company’s staff who died during World War One. Locals still hold an birthday party each year to celebrate its opening in 1921. Recently updated by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund this beautiful space features a large lake and a number of statues – including a giant Roman helmet – as well as a newly opened mosaic illustrating the park’s design and a new open air performance area.
Feeling in need of some caffeine and retail therapy after all these culture vulture activities? Pop into the Pig and Pastry Cafe on Bishopthorpe Road for the most delicious treats served freshly baked from the tiny kitchen in the back. This is where the locals come to met up in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Choose from mouth watering quiches, waffles, meringues and cakes and then find a perch on the end of one of the crowded tables. Works of arts by local artists can be purchased from its walls. And don’t go home without taking in the delights of Poppy & Rose, a few doors along. This beautiful and imaginative shop selling homewares and vintage items opened at Easter when enthusiastic shoppers nearly cleared its shelves.
Could the South Bank becoming York’s answer to well, the South Bank, I wonder?
