Liverpool to erect Brian Epstein statue
The former Beatles manager is to be immortalised in bronze on Whitechapel.
Designed by Andy Edwards – the sculptor behind the Beatles statue at Pier Head and co-sculptor of the Cilla Black statue on Mathew Street – the Brian Epstein statue will measure almost two metres.
The statue is to be positioned on Whitechapel at the foot of Button Street, under an application lodged with the city council by Liverpool BID Company.
“It’s location on Whitechapel is massively significant,” according to a design and access statement by architect Brock Carmichael.
This area of Liverpool is synonymous with the Beatles; the Cavern and NEMS record store – a family business started by Brian’s father Isaac – are located nearby.
The positioning of the statue “offers authenticity and maximises the tourism/heritage opportunities for the area”, Brock Carmichael added.
Epstein, often referred to as the fifth Beatle, managed the band from 1962 until his death in 1967 at the age of 32.
He is considered as being instrumental in the band’s rise to fame.
The £10,000 statue, which is being financed through crowdfunding, will be the first of a LGBTQ+ figure in Liverpool city centre.
Tom Calderbank, who is leading the project, said: “More than 50 years after his death, Brian’s impact on the world is still being felt in so many ways. We’re honoured and humbled to have played a small part in recognising that.”
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “Liverpool is a city of performers and creative talent, but its cultural sector is also driven by people like Brian Epstein who see talent and champion it, who support our artists, who promote them and advocate for them.
“You would never have The Beatles if it wasn’t for Brian Epstein and this statue is not simply to immortalise him, but also those countless thousands who make being an artist possible in this country.”
Will Liverpool ever move on from the Beatles? It’s embarrassing.
By Anonymous
Naturally, it’s the only thing the city is famous for.
By Realist
The revenue and global attention Liverpool gets from The Beatles they could only wish for in other cities .
By Ringo
Liverpool feels like it’s got the balance right now in terms of the emphasis given to the Beatles in its tourism and convention marketing. Every other city on the planet would give their eye-teeth to be able to claim those four lads.
Now let’s put the same effort in to getting some new offices built, shall we?
By Sceptical
Good statue , nothing wrong with marking to cities music history….which along with its football , Docks , medical/research stengths , art and culture has plenty of attractions…
But agree the city desperately needs more grade A office accommodation
By George
Sceptical – it is developers job to develop offices thank you. Are you 100% confident that is the biggest constraint to growth?
Great to see Beatles memorials taking a broader emphasis; Epstein played an important role in making Liverpool music mainstream at the time. This wasn’t just a tale of working class heroes.
By Brian
Liverpool has lots of things going for it football, passion, the docks and port, the river – (a lot of cities aren’t coastal) fantastic buildings used as a New York film set many times, the most parks outside of London. And the Beatles as well! – love it or hate it the Beatles still span generationally. So not really any getting away from them – still kids coming through who just love them. As for the statue -love it!
By Bob Dawson
Yes but statues and tourism do not a prosperous city make. Jobs , offices , development, transport infrastructure, that’s what a thriving metropolis needs to move forward. Liverpool needs the council to prioritise these things or it will continue to badly fall behind other British cities.
By Wirralwanderer
Love the vibe and culture in Liverpool
By Anonymous
Bit ironic having the statue in Whitechapel but where is Epstein shop and office? Oh yes demolished some years ago for some new shop. Heritage area anyone?
By Paul
So we see article after article about Manchester building skyscrapers and businesses opening left right and centre the their city (well done Manchester by the way and much deserved) yet Liverpool’s only article amongst it is about another Beatles related statue this is embarrassing. The city is in complete stagnation and boring . Can we leave the Beatles alone now and start focusing on the future. The city is so far behind, it’s annoying.
By David
Yes I think the emphasis really needs to made on inward investment and jobs. The Beatles can only do so much.
By Tufty
I would love to be there to honor Mr. Brian Epstein on that glorious day!
By Susann