Simple yet strong, the 12.5-meter structure of steel columns and beams finds at its heart a giant handmade copper megaphone to reflect Liverpool’s tradition as a democratic city and the need to share our voices and stories.
Designed by Architect Daniel Smith, the installation also features a 60-minute soundscape, curated by Writing on the Wall, sharing both the voices of Liverpool’s past as well as the very present stories of those who make up the modern tapestry of our city. Featuring conversations and literary works from Irish Travellers, African Seamen, the LGBTQI+ community and other local people from across Merseyside, including contributions from our Chinese and Yemeni communities.
As a literature charity with radical writing at its heart, we are excited to bring the spirit of Arthur Dooley's Speaker’s Podium back to the city, celebrating and remembering the diverse experiences of Liverpool residents. We hope you enjoy this piece of art as much as we do.
In 1973 a bright communist red metallic structure was erected upon Liverpool’s Pier head. This was Arthur Dooley’s Speaker’s Podium. Inspired by the Russian Tatlin’s Tower, the structure became a celebration of free speech and a space for discussion, speeches and protest.
The Speaker's Podium was quietly dismantled during renovations to the Pier Head in the 1990s. It was deposited in Calderstones Park and, sadly, no provision was made for its preservation, so its whereabouts are unknown, though it appears to have been taken away for the value of the steel.
The removal of the original Speaker's Podium could be seen as an attempt to stifle the voice of the people of Liverpool. Mersey Sounds is a symbolic attempt to reintroduce a site for discussion and debate, a reminder of Liverpool’s radical history, and a nod to the future, as we begin to come out of Lockdown and reassess our place in the world.
The podium’s creator, Arthur Dooley, was born in Dingle, Liverpool in 1929. Arthur joined the Irish Guard and served in Palestine, however, whilst there, was court-martialled for siding with the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and stealing British trucks for them.
In the 1950s, Dooley found himself working as a cleaner in St Martin’s College of Art and it was here that he made the decision to become an artist himself, later showcasing his first exhibition on the floors he used to sweep in 1962. Indeed, there are many stories of Dooley taking money earned from commissions to picket lines, as well as commissions arranged with the sole intention of raising funds for workers. At the time of his death, it was noted by friends and associates that, although Dooley had enjoyed success as an artist, he hadn’t much to show for it as he’d given everything away.
Seeing success as a sculptor for over 40 years, Arthur Dooley was one of Liverpool’s most delightfully contrary sons, who never gave up the Scouse traditions of working-class solidarity and speaking truth to power. He was a man of the people and a guardian of the city. WoW is very proud to breathe new life into his work.
We have teamed up with architect Daniel Smith who designed the Merseysounds structure. Daniel’s own personal connection to the history of the project became apparent when we learnt that his own father worked was a steel erector of the original podium.