The final week to bid for one of York’s most distinctive public artworks has arrived.
The Watchers of York auction closes on Thursday 10 September 2026, giving art lovers, collectors and everyone one last opportunity to take home a unique piece of the city’s newest trail.
Produced by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster, the Watchers are inspired by the medieval stone carvings that have watched over York Minster for centuries.
Each sculpture has been individually designed and hand-painted by a talented artist, transforming the iconic guardian into a one-of-a-kind artwork with its own personality, story and connection to York.
Throughout the trail, the Watchers have captivated visitors, with each guardian reflecting the character of the place it watches over.
With bidding closing this week, this is the final chance to choose your favourite sculpture and make one of these remarkable artworks part of your own collection.
Ten unique Watchers are available to bid for, created by talented artists:
- The Keeper of Coloured Light – Artist: Caitlin Smith
- The Watcher of the Night – Artist: Hannah Jayne Lewin
- The Merchant Keeper – Artist: Ishleen Kaur
- The Keeper of Voices – Artist: the777paradox
- The Scholar’s Keeper – Artist: Catya Elise Ledezma
- The Garden Guardian – Artist: Rue Robinson
- The River Watcher – Artist: Ali Elly
- The Warden of Wild Blooms – Artist: Gill Prendergast
- The Gatekeeper – Artists: Rachael and Phillippa Corcutt
- The Watcher of York – Artist: Norse Sky
Place your bid today and have the chance to take home a lasting piece of the Watchers of York at: visityork.org/watchers-auction
Funds raised through the auction will support two causes
The York Creates Fund which supports cultural and creative activity across York. Managed by Make It York, the fund seeks to provide opportunities for local creatives to develop new work through micro grants, commissions, competitions and other creative initiatives.
Funds allocated to York Minster will support the ongoing conservation and restoration of the Minster’s internationally significant heritage, including investment in the restoration of the iconic Rose Window.
By placing a bid, you’re not only taking home a unique piece of York’s cultural story, but you’re also helping to support the city’s future creativity and preserve one of its most treasured historic landmarks.
The auction forms part of the wider legacy of the trail, ensuring that the impact of the project continues long after the sculptures leave the streets of York.
Help make a difference to local charities
Two sculptures created in partnership with two local charities will return to those organisations to continue inspiring their communities:
- The We’re In It Together City Guardian – York Against Cancer
- The Many Hands City Guardian – Artist: York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity
While these guardians are not part of The Watchers of York auction, you can still support the charities that inspired them.
Every donation supports the vital work of these local charities across York and beyond, ensuring that care, compassion and support remain at the heart of our communities.
Final Gathering exhibition
Don’t miss the Final Gathering, from 3 to 13 September 2026, where you have the rare opportunity to see all twelve Watchers sculptures reunited in the magnificent surroundings of York Minster’s Chapter House before they move on to their permanent homes. Find out more.
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PRESS RELEASE: 7 September 2026
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Watchers of York hub page: https://visityork.org/watchers-trail
