Andrew Baitson said: “We just love auctioning these wonderful animal sculptures. They generate so much interest and there’s a very special excitement in the room when they come under the hammer – and of course it’s great to get the very best price so that the charities all benefit.”
Kerry Carruthers, Chief Executive for Yorkshire Coast BID said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved in such a creative project that has really brought together areas across the Yorkshire Coast, as well as driving footfall to the area. This final chapter for the puffins is a fantastic way to give back and support some of our well-respected charity partners.”
Anthony Clappison, Managing Director at Risby Fishing Ponds and Folly Lake Cafe says: “Since it arrived in the summer, our puffin, 'Star Gansey' by Clare West, has brought thousands of visitors to Risby Fishing Ponds. It’s been a fantastic attraction and we have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the community that the Puffins Galore! team has created. We are all looking forward to seeing what they come up with next!”
David Donkin, Wykeland Property Director said: “We are excited to see the puffin , ‘Where Sea Meets Shore’ by Evie Grace Caldwell, remain at our Flemingate centre in Beverley as it has been very popular with visitors since it arrived last summer. The puffin’s new home will be inside Art & Soul, the independent retailer that stocks over 100 artists and makers’ work at their Beverley store, so the public can continue to come and enjoy it every day.”
Jane Berriman from Art & Soul said: “We have watched the Puffin through the shop window as it has brought so much joy to people so we are so pleased that everyone will still be able to come and see it in Art & Soul.”
Director of Puffins Galore!, Rick Welton says:
“We estimate that approximately 200,000 people will have participated in the sculpture trail. It has encouraged visitors to quieter parts of the East Yorkshire Coast and raised awareness of local businesses and organisations. The feedback we have received shows this to be a very worthwhile project for everyone involved.
“This has been a project that has captured the public’s imagination. We would like to thank funders from Yorkshire Coast BID, Visit East Yorkshire, our artists, our sponsors, Puffin Pals and everyone who took part in the sculpture trail.”