This shot from the Ice Trail was one of the last sculptures that I shot on Saturday - the 35th of 37. It shows the effect of the sculpture being out for several hours on a warm day (12C). The fine detail in the carving has been worn quite smooth as the ice is melting. In this case I quite like the effect, but in other sculptures, particularly of people, they develop very distorted features. Fortunately there was a second set of identical sculptures to put on display for the Sunday display.
Ice sculpture displays in York go back a number of years. The first display was in the quiet streets between Stonegate, Low Petergate and Church street, in an attempt to attract customers to the shops there. It was paid for by the shop owners, and consisted of about 6 sculptures, all of angels, with the title 'Festival of Ages'.
After several years the city council funded an extension to the displays to cover more of the city centre. Then came the financial crash and the council withdrew it's funding, and the shop owners would not pick up the financial burden and the displays ended.
More recently the York BID (Business Improvement District) team pushed for a relaunch. The date was moved from December to the beginning of February, and each sculpture is sponsored by a local company. Bettys Tea Rooms sponsored this steam train.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It's always an interesting challenge taking photos of the ice sculptures. Weather conditions have a huge impact. Bright light through the ice can create spectacular effects, but a dull day like Saturday is much less useful.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It's always an interesting challenge taking photos of the ice sculptures. Weather conditions have a huge impact. Bright light through the ice can create spectacular effects, but a dull day like Saturday is much less useful.
Ian
Thank you - this was great fun!
Ian