Remembering Eleanor Rathbone, Greenbank Park, Liverpool Public Art Commission – Project Information 1. Commission Opportunity Liverpool City Council is seeking to commission an artwork to celebrate the life and legacy of Eleanor Rathbone (1872 – 1946) and her wide ranging campaigning work, which included promoting women’s rights, votes for women and the introduction of family allowances. The commission will be located in the 19th century walled garden in Greenbank Park, formerly the estate of the Rathbone family. 2. Background Eleanor Rathbone was part of a family with a long tradition of political and social campaigning in Liverpool, based for many generations in Greenbank House in Greenbank Ward. 2016 will see a series of events and exhibitions to celebrate Eleanor’s achievements across the UK including in Liverpool, Oxford (where she studied), and London. To support the national ‘Remembering Eleanor Rathbone’ campaign, and ensure her incredible contribution to politics and welfare is honoured in her home city, the Council is supporting the installation of a commemorative artwork in Greenbank Park, which was part of the family estate prior to its sale to the City Council in 1897. It is envisaged this commission will help raise profile for the wider campaign dedicated to the life and legacy of Eleanor Rathbone and encourage other initiatives to be developed across the city. (See further information links below.) Greenbank House, Rathbone Family home. Photo: Ronnie Hughes Eleanor was the first ever woman to be elected onto Liverpool City Council, in 1909 (elected as an Independent); and subsequently was elected as the MP for the Combined Universities, again as an Independent, from 1929-46. She was a tireless campaigner for women’s rights and education, and for social justice; fighting for Jewish and other refugees; and most notably, is responsible for the introduction of Family Allowances (now Child Benefit). 3. Location Within the walled garden there are plans for the part demolition and redevelopment of the Greenbank Park potting shed to form a new café with an external seating terrace scheduled to open in summer 2016. The final location for the artwork within the walled garden will be agreed with the selected artist. There is an opportunity to locate the artwork on the external south facing elevation of the brick wall adjacent to the new café. The boundaries to the walled garden are a mix of brick walls and vertical metal railings. Historically it was most probably all brick walls but over time sections have been replaced to give the mixed character of material that is found today. The height of the walls and fencing measures between 2.3m and 3.5m. The entrance to the walled garden is within the Park on the western facing boundary. The walled garden consists of lawns, herbaceous borders, paths, pergolas, pond and seating areas. Walled Garden Greenbank Park and site for Potting Shed Café development. Entrance to walled garden. Further information on Eleanor Rathbone: • ‘Remembering Eleanor Rathbone’ campaign: https://rememberingeleanorrathbone.wordpress.com/events/ • University of Liverpool Special Collections and Archives: Rathbone Papers http://www.liv.ac.uk/library/sca/colldescs/rathbone/index.html • A Sense of Place ‘Eleanor Rathbone of Liverpool’ Ronnie Hughes: https://asenseofplaceblog.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/eleanor-rathbone-of-liverpool/ 4. Budget and Design Fee There is a target budget of up to £9,000 (ex VAT) for this commission to include materials, fabrication, installation and all fees and expenses, etc. The Artist will be offered a design fee and expenses of £1,000 (ex VAT) to produce a costed design proposal. 5. Selection Process Shortlisted artists will be notified and requested to register on the e-portal procurement system The Chest www.the-chest.org.uk and subsequently invited to attend an interview. Travel expenses will be paid. Please note: design proposals are not expected at this stage. Interviews will take place during the week commencing 29th February 2016. How to apply To express your interest please send up to ten images of previous work, a CV and brief supporting statement by Dropbox or WeTransfer to: Lesley Woodbridge: [email protected] Urban Design/Public Art Liverpool City Council Municipal Buildings Dale Street Liverpool L2 2DH Deadline: 15th February 2016. .