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The world goes quackers as Long Boi sculpture unveiled live on BBC Radio 1

The world goes quackers as Long Boi sculpture unveiled live on BBC Radio 1

Posted on 26 September 2024

A statue to commemorate the life and legacy of the University of York’s unusually tall duck, Long Boi, has been unveiled live on BBC Radio 1 by presenter Greg James.

Image credit: Alex Holland, University of York

Standing head and shoulders above the rest, the 70 cm-tall Indian runner mallard duck became a social media sensation, rocketing to new heights after James featured him on his Breakfast Show.

The sculpture, in honour of Long Boi's legacy, will stand near the lake at Derwent College on the University campus, a favourite haunt of the popular duck.

Brings us together

During the unveiling of the statue at a ceremony in the University’s Central Hall, Greg James said: “Some people might not get why we are doing this today…but silly things are important, silly things get us through the day and, look, silliness brings us together. And our favourite animals get us through the day too. We love them because they show us the best of ourselves and when you get the chance to celebrate silliness and animals at the same time you have to seize it with both hands.”

The clay mould of the life-sized statue has been hand carved by award-winning wildlife sculptor Neil Mason, before it was then shipped to Greece for bronze casting.

Joy

The University of York Students’ Union raised the money to pay for the statue, which would ensure Long Boi "remains ever present in our hearts".

Long Boi called the green parkland and lakes of the University campus his home and regular sightings of the tall duck with his friendly demeanour brought joy to students, staff, the local community and visitors.

Iconic

In an interview broadcast before the ceremony on BBC Radio 1, University of York Vice Chancellor, Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “Long Boi was such an iconic figure here, so popular with students and we’ve got an absolutely packed-out commemoration ceremony, it’s going to be brilliant.

“I met Long Boi on a number of occasions. It was quite striking how engaging and friendly he appeared…Long Boi became a symbol of community, channelling the great spirit that we have at the University.”

During the ceremony, celebrities including Jonny Baristow, Tom Brennon, Andrew Garfield and Jodi Whitiker all gave tributes to Long Boi live on air. University of York Students’ Union Sing Song Society sang a Long Boi version of Hot to Go by Chappell Roan and a minute of quacking began as the statue was unveiled.

Luck

Speaking at the ceremony, Art curator at the University of York, Helena Cox, said: “It is believed by myself and by this mighty institution that if you rub the beak of Long Boi, your essays will sparkle with genius, your exams shall be a breeze and luck will follow you wherever you go.

“I hope you have a great time unveiling the sculpture today, and remember: whenever life gets difficult, go and rub that beak for good luck. You have the curator’s blessing.”