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The Hillsborough statue called “a monstrosity” – What do you think?

Admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:26:45 +0000

The Hillsborough Statue

Tony Evans’ statue created as a memorial to the Hillsborough disaster has been roundly critized by Liverpool fans, including family members of those that died, and if nothing else, it has certainly caused strong emotions in those that have seen it.

Anne Williams lost her son on that fateful day, and was particularly scathing about the statue.

She said: “It’s a monstrosity. When I first saw it I felt sick. It’s very upsetting and I will not allow Kevin’s name to be included on the base.

“Survivors live Hillsborough every day and I think it will set a lot of survivors back mentally.

“The feedback I’ve had is really upsetting. One told me that he would personally take action tear it down if he had to walk past it every day.”

The Hillsborough Family Support Group originally supported the idea of a new memorial, but has now withdrawn it’s association with the statue after receiving abusive phone calls and messages from outraged fans.

The HFSG Chairwoman, Margaret Aspinall said: “We only saw this two weeks ago. It is a memorial we didn’t even ask for.

“We already have a one at Anfield which has stood for nearly 20 years, but we had agreed in principle to underwrite it for the good of the people who survived Hillsborough.

“Since the pictures were leaked we have withdrawn from the project after grieving families were inundated with abuse from some cowardly individuals.

“It’s sad that it’s caused all this uproar. The people involved have done this for what they thought were the right reasons.

“I don’t blame the people of Merseyside who have championed the fight for justice for the past 20 years. Unfortunately a certain element has jumped on the bandwagon to cause a great rift on Merseyside.

“There are no winners with Hillsborough, just bereaved families and survivors who have gone through hell.”

The sculptor, Tony Evans, defended his work, and says that it can’t be judged from a picture on the internet (like here!) but has to be seen in its full 15ft glory to be understood.

Tony said: “I am very upset and disappointed at the response to unofficial images that have been circulated. Everyone who has seen the sculpture at first hand has understood it and been strongly in favour.

“The piece actually shows the rescue of a young, injured supporter who is being lifted by a supporter inside the stand. He is raising his hands and looking for help.

“The injured supporter is grasping the hand of another who is lifting them from outside the stand. It is a positive image showing strong people helping each other and helping the helpless.

“Liverpool has had enough of the wrong type of publicity and this is an image of strong people reacting in a positive way.

“There have been comments made about the statue saying it shows twisted and tortured figures struggling against metal bars.

“That is simply not true. It is a complicated sculpture and I believe those comments are based on poor images on the internet which show a jumble of arms and bodies.”

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The Hillsborough statue called "a monstrosity" – What do you think?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:26:45 +0000