Sylvia's Access course bears fruit with sculpture unveiled by MP in Fulford Community Orchard
Former York College student Sylvia Schroer has had a sculpture - created in the memory of York Asylum patients - unveiled at Fulford Community Orchard.
Luke Charters, the MP for York Outer, officially unveiled Sylvia’s stunning artwork, named Orchard Spirits, in an event organised by the Friends of Fulford Community Orchard.
The two busts – one male and one female – were created as part of Sylvia’s York School of Art Access to HE Art & Design course that she completed in June and earned her a Distinction in the Self-Directed Practice module.
Her sculpture draws inspiration from the orchard’s poignant history.
It was once the grounds of the York Asylum, a large psychiatric hospital that stood on the site now occupied by the adjacent McArthur Glen Designer Outlet.
Inspiration for Sylvia’s work came following discussions with Judith Nicholson, of the Fishergate, Fulford and Heslington Local Historical Society, who has extensively researched the history of the asylum and orchard.
The paired figures, which are decorated using plants and foliage from the orchard that is embedded into the clay, represent enduring spirits and symbolise the presence of those who once lived on the land.
Sylvia, who has also attended Pottery and Jewellery classes at York College, said: “I wanted the sculptures to invite reflection, honour the lives of the people who were here before, and to remind us how essential nature and community are for mental wellbeing, both then and now.”
Following the unveiling, visitors were invited to join a guided walk through the orchard to learn about its heritage trees, wildflower meadow, and plans for future development as a green space, a source of unsprayed fruit for the community, and as a place to come and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere or be with others.
As the event was held on October 31, children and families were also able to take part in a Ghost Hunt, spotting friendly ghosts hidden among the trees – some of which had also been created by Sylvia.
Organisers now hope the Ghost Hunt will become an annual half-term tradition, encouraging more local people to discover the orchard’s beauty and history.
The orchard’s produce is available for everyone to enjoy and York-based conservation charity St Nicks and the Friends of Fulford Community Orchard would both welcome interest from volunteers to join them on regular “workdays” to help with its maintenance.
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