Maggi Ronson and Keith ‘Ched’ Cheeseman unveil 'Daisy Rat' at Sculpture Trail Launch.
Hull and East Yorkshire's latest public art venture, A Mischief of Rats, welcomed sponsors and supporters to Hull College’s Bilocca Restaurant on Tuesday to enjoy a first view of Daisy Rat.
Daisy Rat, decorated to recognise Daisy Appeal, the charity at the heart of the project, is the first artist-decorated rat sculpture in what promises to be another captivating art experience for the region. This unique piece sets the tone for the trail, which imaginatively combines art, community engagement, and charitable giving.
Adding a sprinkle of stardust to the morning's proceedings, Mick Ronson’s sister, Maggi Ronson and Rats’ guitarist Keith ‘Ched’ Cheeseman unveiled the Daisy Rat sculpture, serving as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich musical heritage.
The Mischievous Breakfast included an exclusive first look at the inaugural rat sculpture and insights into the project's development, vision and potential impact. The event was attended by The Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Collinson and Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross as well as sponsors from the business and community sectors.
Co-Director Clare Huby explained, “This isn't just your average rat race; it's a charitable campaign and a region-wide art exhibition, all in aid of Daisy Appeal. The inspiration was Hull musician Mick Ronson, best known as lead guitarist with David Bowie's Spiders from Mars but whose home band was The Rats. Sadly, Mick died from cancer at the age of 46. His legacy and the local Hull and East Yorkshire music scene are among the themes that artists have incorporated into their designs.”
Maggi Ronson commented, “My brother Michael (Mick) was a very modest man. I do believe he would have been surprised but happy to stand beside the other musicians and crews of ‘The Rats’ to receive this unlikely legacy especially as it’s all in support of such an excellent charity working to help the early diagnosis of cancer. I’m delighted to be here today and to have the honour of unveiling the first of these remarkable sculptures.”
Co-Director Rick Welton said, "We are thrilled to launch 'A Mischief of Rats' with such a special event. The support from our sponsors and delivery partners has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. Our projects always spark creativity, engage our community, and most importantly, contribute much needed funds to charities. This time the beneficiary will be the vital work of Daisy Appeal.
"A Mischief of Rats aims to make a significant impact across Hull and East Yorkshire. The project will support Daisy Appeal's purchase of a new cutting edge scanner to enhance their facilities at Castle Hill Hospital. The new scanner will mean a significant increase in the number of scans carried out each year and will improve the life chances of patients living with cancer, heart disease and dementia in Hull and East Yorkshire.”
Photo caption: Rick Welton from A Mischief of Rats with Daisy Rat and Maggi Ronson.
More than forty artist decorated giant rat sculptures, they will be located around Hull and East Yorkshire for the public to find via an interactive map. Standing 6ft tall on their railway sleeper plinths.
The sculpture trail will be live from Saturday 3rd May until Sunday 31st August 2025.
