KCOM supporting 'A Moth For Amy'

It is one of more than 45 businesses from across the region that have pledged their support to A Moth for Amy, a mass engagement public art project based on the concept of the hugely successful ‘Larkin with Toads’ initiative.

Representatives from those businesses had their first glimpse of the unpainted Moths at a recent event held at Hull History Centre to mark the official launch of the ‘A Moth for Amy’ project. 

Giant moth sculptures, created by local sculptor, Saffron Waghorn, are set to be painted by artists in designs of the supporting businesses’ choice and will then be placed at locations across Hull, East Yorkshire and beyond – many of significance to Amy Johnson's story.  

Amy Johnson CBE was one of the most influential and inspirational women of the twentieth century. She was the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930 and set a string of other records throughout her career. 

The recent launch event gave the first 45 businesses who have pledged their support a chance to see the moth sculptures they have sponsored for the first time before they are painted by a range of artists and community groups.

The Moth for Amy project is part of a wider cultural festival, using Amy’s legacy to create an exciting programme from July through to September based on art, science and engineering. 

Amy Johnson Festival director Rick Welton said: “We’re delighted to be able to unveil the moths to those who have already shown their support for this wonderful project. 

“It is fantastic to see the positive response from the region’s business community, as well as from health, education and social groups, who have already sponsored a moth. 

“The popularity of the Larkin with Toads project is a great indicator of how well-received major art schemes are in Hull, so we encourage those businesses and organisations who still want to pledge their support to come on board while there is still time."

KCOM Community Coordinator, Brendon Smurthwaite, commented:

“Having been part of the Larkin for Toads project and seeing how good that was for the city, we had no hesitation in supporting A Moth for Amy.

“Amy Johnson is one of the most recognisable ambassadors of Hull and it’s great to see her legacy being celebrated in this way. The moth designs are certainly eye-catching and will bring real colour to the city.”

The festival team has also linked up with Artlink, based in Princes Avenue, to create community moths based on a design created by local community groups.

In collaboration with certain businesses and organisations, groups will work with an artist to create the design which will then be painted onto their Moth for Amy. The moths will appear on the streets in July.