LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND.- A sculptor is seeking to immortalise people with an interesting story - by using their faces in a piece of public art in the city’s newest garden. Stephen Broadbent has been commissioned by property developers, The Beetham Organization to carry out the project in the shadow of Liverpool’s tallest building – The Beetham Tower.

Working with landscape architects BCA Landscape and designers Smiling Wolf, Stephen would like to hear stories from anyone who has either moved to Liverpool from another country, (including Ireland, Wales and Scotland) or whose direct ancestors did so during the last 200 years.

Liverpool residents can nominate themselves or others to be considered as a ‘Face of Liverpool’.

The projects is part of a £1.5 million art and landscape architecture project to create a ‘Face of Liverpool’ garden which would also act as a gateway into the city’s business quarter.

This is under construction on a 2,000 sq ft triangular site at the foot of the 295 ft Beetham Tower, alongside a new five-star Radisson Hotel and an eight-storey office building that will house the Passport Office.

Beetham’s £60 million development, which overlooks the River Mersey on the site of the old St Paul’s Eye Hospital on Old Hall Street, will be completed in Spring 2004.

The Face of Liverpool Garden will feature 32 etched and illuminated blue glass portholes, set into the walls and floor of the garden and other public spaces around the site. 

As well as celebrating places around the world with strong connections to Liverpool, these will feature the faces of local residents, telling their story and reflecting the rich diversity of the city’s culture.

Stephen Broadbent said: ’’Public art is an important element of the regeneration of Liverpool and plays a big part in enhancing commercial developments. It is widely recognised that much of Liverpool’s success stems from its vibrant and diverse culture and its history of international links.

’’We wanted the project to give local people the opportunity to be recognised and immortalised within its walls. We want it to represent Liverpool’s diverse gene pool and include people from all over the world who have made Liverpool their home.”

The team’s search is supported by the Liverpool Culture Company and The Mersey Partnership.

Sue Woodward, Creative Director, Liverpool Culture Company, said: ’’I applaud The Face of Liverpool campaign. Directly involving people in artistic projects which improve the feel and fabric of Liverpool is an excellent way to promote civic pride and cultural awareness.

’’I’m heartened that this inclusive approach, which we took in bidding to be European Capital of Culture is now flourishing throughout the city.’’

Hugh Frost, chairman of the Beetham Organization, which commissioned the specialist local design team to develop the project, said: “The Face of Liverpool is a totally integrated art and architecture solution to the landscape of this significant development at the end of Old Hall Street. The site is at the threshold of national and international trade connections and we want Liverpool people, who have been key to the success of this international city, to take their rightful place within the piece."