Global monument to John Lennon: model unveiled in Shanghai
A spectacular hand painted scale model of the 18ft peace monument to John Lennon has been unveiled at the Liverpool Pavilion in Shanghai World Expo, China.
The finished monument, which cost $350,000 to create, will stand 18ft tall and 11ft wide, weighing 4.5 tonnes. It is being made from a mixture of brushed aluminium, acrylic and an indestructible coating to stave off the weather.
John Lennon’s son, Julian will unveil the final monument in Liverpool in October 2010 as part of the city’s two-month season of events to commemorate the former Beatle’s 70th birthday and the 30th anniversary of his untimely death.
The monument has been created by American teen art prodigy Lauren Voiers and will act as a counterbalance to the Strawberry Fields memorial in New York’s Central Park. Although fans flock to the famous memorial in New York, where Lennon was killed, a similar spot has never been designated in Lennon’s hometown to celebrate his life.
To correct this, US organisation Global Peace Initiative, will present the monument to the world’s leading permanent Beatles-themed visitor attraction, the Beatles Story in Liverpool, UK. The monument will be sited in a significant position within the city.
The design, which at the request of Lennon son’s Julian will incorporate a White Feather, symbolising both his father’s spirit and peace, will also include themes signifying freedom and harmony such as doves and music notes. The monument has been titled ‘Peace and Harmony’.
This is the second in a series of monuments commissioned by Global Peace Initiative. Their aim is to place a peace monument in each of the world's seven continents and spread artistic symbols of peace across the globe. The first monument was presented to the President of Singapore on behalf of the people of Asia in 2005.
Jerry Goldman, MD of the Beatles Story said, “Liverpool is the only city in the UK to have a dedicated presence at the Shanghai World Expo and we thought it was a perfect place to give the world a glimpse of this new global peace monument to John Lennon. We’ve long needed a place of pilgrimage in John’s home town for people wishing to remember one of the world’s most influential icons, complementing the Strawberry Fields memorial in New York.”
Ben Valenty, Director of Global Peace Initiative said, “We are very proud that Asia accepted the first of our seven global peace monuments. It is therefore very fitting that we unveil this second monument destined for Europe here in Shanghai.”
Mike Taylor, Director of Investment and Enterprise at Liverpool Vision said: “We’re delighted that this important monument will be unveiled to the world in the Liverpool Pavilion at Shanghai World Expo. It’s fitting that John Lennon’s unique contribution to popular culture and world peace is recognised with this tribute, which will be on permanent display in his home city.”
Media enquiries: Rowan Atkins M: 07834 158 725 rowan@rowanatkins.co.uk
Editor’s Notes
The Beatles Story www.beatlesstory.com
The Beatles Story, based in the UK, is a unique attraction that transports visitors on an enlightening and atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Beatles.
The Beatles Story is located on Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock and a second site is based at the city’s Pier Head. The attraction opened in 1990 and has welcomed 3million visitors from all around the world.
The experience is accompanied by the ‘Living History’ audio guide which is narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia. The Beatles Story offers English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, and Japanese audio guide translations.
Tickets: Adult £12.95; Concession £8.50; Child £6.50 Aged 5-16 years; Under 5yrs Free
Open 7 days a week, all year round (excl 25/26 Dec). Opening hours everyday: 9am - 7pm (last admission 5pm),
T: 0151 709 1963 The Beatles Story, Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AD
John Lennon Tribute Season: 9 Oct – 9 Dec 2010
From October 9 – which would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday, to 9 December – the day after the 30th anniversary of his assassination; organisations in Liverpool, UK will join forces to host a series of live music, film, poetry and art events as part of the John Lennon Tribute Season. For further information visit www.beatlesstory.com
White Feather: Spirit of Lennon Exhibition – part of the John Lennon Tribute Season
White Feather: Spirit of Lennon - on display at the Beatles Story Pier Head - tells the intimate personal story of life with John Lennon that only Julian and Cynthia Lennon can give.
Through personal on-screen conversations, Julian and Cynthia take visitors on a journey through their family life - re-living phases of a story which begins in Liverpool in the band’s early days. A wealth of previously unshared personal possessions and Beatles heirlooms are on display.
The exhibition runs at the Beatles Story’s Pier Head site until 31 December 2010.
Tickets can only be purchased on arrival at the Beatles Story.
Exhibition-only visitors can purchase tickets for £8 (£6 concessions), however the exhibition can be viewed as part of admission to the whole Beatles Story (over two sites). Admission to the whole Beatles Story is Adult £12.95; Concession £8.50; Child £6.50 Aged 5-16 years; Under 5yrs Free
White Feather Symbol
The John Lennon Peace Monument will include the symbol of a white feather within its design on the request of John’s son Julian Lennon.
As Julian Lennon explains: “One of the things my father said to me was that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be ok, it was by, in some shape or form, presenting me with a white feather.”
Then, around ten years ago while Julian was on tour in Australia, a group of Aborigines presented him with a white feather, asking him to be the voice for their plight. This episode motivated Julian to set up The White Feather Foundation, a newly founded charity that raises funds to improve the lives of others and spread a message of peace.
Global Peace Initiative and Lauren Voiers
The Global Peace Initiative’s purpose is to complete a seven-continent art project designed to promote peace through art. The project calls for young artists to create seven large sculptural monuments (one for each continent) to be given as gifts of peace to various nations around the globe. In 2003 the Global Peace Initiative commissioned Alexandra Nechita to create the first Global Peace Initiative monument. In 2005 Nechita’s monument, aptly named ‘Let there be Peace’, was dedicated by the Global Peace Initiative, the artist and Singapore’s President Nathan, who accepted on behalf of the people of Asia.
Global Peace Initiative commissioned Cleveland, Ohio-born teen artist Lauren Voiers to create the second monument due to her highly acclaimed peace paintings. Discovered by international art expert Ben Valenty at just 17, Lauren’s paintings are exhibited at the Wentworth Gallery, America’s largest art distributor and sell for up to $25k.
Contact name: Rowan Atkins M: 07834 158 725
Contact email: rowan@rowanatkins.co.uk
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