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Long Boiology: the Biology Art Trail

The Biology Art Trail is a celebration of art, science and education in the Biosciences at York, created by the Department of Biology in collaboration with the Biology Research Workshops, with thanks to the University Estates Team.

In 2023, the University of York turned 60 years old and lost one of its most famous alumni: Long Boi, a tall duck who was much loved by staff and students on campus and far beyond. In his early days, Long Boi spent time near the Department of Biology, and is very much part of the family here.

Read more about Long Boi

The Long Boiology art trail celebrates the longest duck on the lake and the outstanding research and education that goes on in the Department. Long duck silhouettes decorated by staff and students highlight our key themes of Better Health, Green Futures and an Education that Empowers.

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University Art Collection

Art has been part of the University ever since its inception 60 years ago. Over the decades, the University Art Collection grew to encompass over 900 artworks including works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Sidney Nolan, Keith Vaughan, Aubrey Williams and many others.

In January 2022 the University appointed its first Art Curator and a new era began for art on campus, opening up the collection to visitors and interdisciplinary collaborations. The University sculpture trail features 15 sculptures on Campus West and welcomes students, researchers as well as the public. New exhibition spaces are being developed and students are encouraged to become actively engaged with art on campus. 

The Tree of Life Sciences

Take the opportunity to see more ducks created by staff, students, alumni and campus visitors.

Map of the Art Trail

The art trail winds anti-clockwise around Campus West lake, starting at the Department of Biology. Find your favourite ducks and read all about the science, education and design behind them.

 

Our ducks

  1. Infection
  2. Parasites
  3. Biodiversity
  4. Life On Earth
  5. Diatoms
  6. GenerationResearch
  7. Cycles
  8. Rare diseases
  9. Plants and Metal
  10. Life and Death
  11. Evolution
  12. Climate change

Colour your own duck

Missed out on the Art Trail Festival of Ideas workshop? You still have chance to colour your own Long Boi.

Watch the Long Boiology official launch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlxdmSjbeaM

The Long Boiology art trail would not have been possible without the creativity, enthusiasm and hard work of many staff and students across the university.

Particular thanks go to all our artists, Mark Bentley and Rebecca Neale from the Biology Research Workshops, Mark Thorpe and the University Grounds and Estates team, Megan Barnes, Holly Gittins, Jenny Jones and the University Communications team, Paul Shields, Gemma Williams, Claire Hughes and the Biology DMT Hub, Campus Catering, Veronica Ongaro, Helena Cox and Pen Holland. 

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