The sculpture of beloved Gerald the Minster cat has finally been unveiled in its permanent home.
The friendly Bengal cat sadly passed away in September 2020. He was one of two cats who lived and roamed around York Minster.
The sculpture was unveiled today (Friday) at Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, a location that Gerald was particularly fond of. It will serve as his final resting place.
Members of the public were free to attend and there was refreshments and live music to enjoy. TV’s Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton was there to do the unveiling, and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress were also in attendance.
It was originally meant to take place in August last year but the event had to be postponed due to Julian being unable to attend the date.
“This has been the end result of a few years of hard work,” said Justine Spencer, Gerald’s owner.
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“Hopefully people can enjoy Gerald for years to come and will also come to this beautiful church and enjoy everything Holy Trinity has to offer.”
The sculpture is crafted from Yorkshire stone and was made by sculptor Anthony Bartyla, founder of The Raven And The Hare Stone Carving in York.
“This is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of unveiling a stone cat,” said Julian. “Normally I’m dealing with cats that are covered in fur and alive.
“It’s fantastic that Gerald, who’s obviously touched the lives of loads of people who have visited York over the years – it’s great that his memory lives on.”
Visitors to the church will be able to enjoy a quiet moment with Gerald in one of his most-loved spots.
