Today's Object of the Week is the latest sculpture from a North Yorkshire artist.

A nod to a town's horse racing heritage is one of a number of impressive new sculptures installed at a new housing development in North Yorkshire.

The steel racehorse is one of a number of works which form part of the Sowerby Gateway Public Art Strategy and have been unveiled at a development in Thirsk.

Designed by Stokesley-based artist Steve Tomlinson, the four birds and two horses have been installed at Linden Homes’ Mowbray View.

The striking sculptures are made of Corten steel and were inspired by the local horse racing heritage and wildlife.

The Northern Echo: Mr Tomlinson has also created four birds as part of the installationMr Tomlinson has also created four birds as part of the installation (Image: VISTRY GROUP)

Thirsk has a rich racing heritage and history. The town's association with horse racing can be traced back as far as 1612.

The first race meeting on the current Thirsk Racecourse was held in 1855 and the famous Thirsk Hunt Cup - run over one mile every spring - has been a feature of the season there for more than 100 years.

The housing development artwork complements other sculptures previously installed in the area as part of the wider Public Art Strategy for Sowerby Gateway, which was implemented by Hambleton District Council in 2022.

Mr Tomlinson, a public artist with many years experience, said: “I am incredibly proud to have contributed to the collection of sculptures in Thirsk through this commission.

"It was really important that the pieces complemented the other works in the Sowerby Gateway and I was inspired by the brief to develop the themes that were celebrated in earlier works.

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“It was key to create pieces that would work in the different public spaces at the developments and it’s fantastic to see the artwork in place.

"We had some great comments from people during the installation and I hope local residents will enjoy the sculptures for many years to come.”

Gizzy Murray, sales manager at Linden Homes, which is part of Vistry Group, added: “The unique sculptures create a real sense of place and interest at Mowbray View and I have no doubt that they will be admired by the local community for many generations.”