The curator of the Archive and Museum of late Liverpool sculptor and activist Arthur Dooley is trying to trace two pieces of art he created.
Dennis Hepworth the museum's curator and Tommy Calderbank, founder of Dooley Day (January 17), are leading the efforts to locate the pieces with the aim of preserving them to feature in the archive. The pieces once graced the old Speaker’s Platform at the Pier Head, situated on the site where the Museum of Liverpool now stands.
During the 1970’s and 80’s, the platform became the focal point for numerous rallies and demonstrations. It disappeared in the 1990’s and the archive curator believes it lay forgotten in a council depot in Calderstones Park before being cut up for scrap.
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Tommy told the ECHO: "These pieces are important, they're part of what I call The Lost Treasures of Liverpool. The Speaker’s Platform itself was an important monument, our Hyde Park Corner, and for decades was the start and end point for every rally and demo in town.
"Now that’s gone to the 'great scrapyard in the sky', the plaque and the sculpture are the only things left to remember it by. Any information regarding the whereabouts of these artworks, we urge you to come forward with no questions asked for the return of these significant pieces, a valuable contribution to our community's cultural heritage".
The platform, designed by Arthur Dooley and architect Jim Hunter, in 1973, to mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of the TUC. The platform was based on Vladimir Tatlin’s tower, a never-completed Soviet monument intended to dwarf the Eiffel Tower.
It had two significant art pieces which are missing; the plaque headed WORKERS OF EUROPE UNITE, and the STRIKE sculpture.
Dennis added: "The work was originally commissioned via the Liverpool Trades Council readying for their 125th anniversary celebrations, but the 1973 May-Day unveiling did not happen, the Speaker's Podium was not ready in time. The unveiling took place a year later, circa May 1974.
"The wording on the plaque was provided by the Liverpool Trades Council, reflecting their input and recognition. Arthur and James Hunter received the prestigious "Structural Steel Design Award 1975," recognising outstanding achievement in architectural engineering and design."
Seen as relevant to what’s happening today, Dennis said: "Arthur positioned himself as a social realist, driven by his unwavering commitment to depicting the authentic realities of society through his art. He was a pioneer in introducing the groundbreaking concept of social sculpture, which aimed to engage with and reflect the social and political issues of the time.
"The artworks are integral pieces within the canon of Arthur's works. They serve as powerful symbols of the collective strength and resilience of workers, conveying the message of "Workers Unite."
Arthur, born January 17, 1929 lived at 31 Enid Street, Liverpool 8, he died in 1994 and was not short of controversy. His statue; the black Christ on The Methodist Church in Toxteth caused a stir when it was unveiled in 1969 alongside his Four Lads Who Shook The World in Mathew Street in 1974.
The Arthur Dooley Sculptural Museum is in his old studio on Seel Street, Liverpool 1, is due to open in the near future.
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