A SERIES of new animal sculptures has gone on display at the former home of a key figure in York’s chocolate heritage.

The metal sculptures, by artist Andrew Kay, have gone on display at Goddards, the former family home of Noel Terry, of the Terry’s of York chocolate firm, in the first major sculpture exhibition at the property.

Sculptures at the site include horses, which look out over the gardens to the racecourse, heron, deer and a boar, and all are spread around the trees, borders and ponds of the gardens.

The animal theme is particularly appropriate, as the Terry family kept unusual and exotic pets at Goddards, including green lizards, Axolotl (members of the salamander family), bell toads, terrapins and rabbits, which they used to take out for walks on the racecourse on harnesses.

Clare Fletcher, visitor experience and volunteering manager at Goddards, said: “We are thrilled to have Andrew’s work on show with us here at Goddards. The gardens are a perfect setting to show off the works which have such power and personality to them.”

The exhibition is open to the public from tomorrow, and will travel to Treasurer’s House for the Illuminating Festival at the end of October, before transferring to Beningbrough Hall and Gardens between November 9 and February 23.