SCULPTURE FOR SEAMEN IN CHINATOWN CONSULTATION AND DESIGN

An idea for the site to place the sculpture.
This is not the actual design or size it is an artists impression
Image generated by AI by Moira Kenny-Campbell

The Sound Agents, artist duo John and Moira, are busy working on an idea for a public sculpture for Liverpool Chinatown. This is not a new idea, rumour has it, "the idea was first written on the back of a cigarette packet in the Nook pub in Nelson Street after members of the community had a few drinks a whole life time ago" Brian Wong one of the founding members and Chief Executive of Liverpool Chinese Business Association

The Sound Agents are currently carrying out consultation on Friends of Liverpool Chinatown Facebook Group Friends of Liverpool Chinatown | Facebook and arranging a number of meetings with community and business people in the area and Liverpool city council.

This public sculpture will serve as a permanent act ofremembrance connected to Liverpool’s docklands and Chinatown, located a shortwalk from the oldest Chinese arch in Europe.

The area has long been home to seafaring communities, withhundreds of local families dependent on dock work and the Merchant Navy.Liverpool played a key role in the movement of the Chinese Labour Corps duringthe First World War, with personnel passing through the city en route toFrance. During the Second World War, more than 20,000 Chinese seamen werestationed in Liverpool, contributing significantly to Britain’s wartimemaritime effort.

In 1946, over 2,000 Chinese seamen were forciblyrepatriated. Many were never seen again. Their families, including partners andchildren who remained in Liverpool, were left without explanation orrecognition, often believing they had been abandoned.

The proposed sculpture will commemorate:

• Seamen of all backgrounds connected to Liverpool’s docks
• The Chinese sailors who lived and worked in the city
• The families affected by loss, separation, and long-term silence

By creating a permanent, accessible artwork in the publicrealm, the project addresses a significant gap in public acknowledgement andcontributes to a more inclusive understanding of Liverpool’s maritime andsocial history.