Culture and pearls

[sir_ann]

Cultured pearls are the result of artifice and are usually considered inferior the natural variety. The way I see it the same is true of local art. So here we have Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 where now M. Artifice et Mme. Hyperbole meet in La Machine, a uniquely French contraption which has no apparent connection with Liverpool

Comments

[redjel]

What a shame.

Perhaps it stems from the British attitude to be derisory/apologetic about everything in the UK and so no one really recognises the efforts and achievements here? Also from your list of wonders how many do you think are widely recognisable? In my opinion the more obscure (but often utterly wonderful) are passed in favour popular, gauche, simplistic entertainment. Not that all popular entertainment is necessarily those things but, I think it's often true.

And, I suppose, importing from other places makes it seem impressive?

Very disappointing...

[sir_ann]

Well, since posting this I've learnt that Tom Murphy did in fact sculpt a memorial statue to Captain Noel Chavasse, M.C., V.C and Bar (do read it, I think you'll appreciate). But I'm disappointed to learn that it stands in Abercromby Square, a beauftiful little Victorian square park, opposite the Bishop's Palace where he lived and not on the site of the former Chavasse Park, now obliterated by the Duke of Westminster's Liverpool One shopping centre. His Grace declined to take any part in our Capital of Culture celebrations and he has, I fear, shot himself in the foot by not allowing Tom's w*rk to stand somewhere between John Lewis and Debenhams.

My grandfather served in the RAMC under Captain Chavasse as one of his stretcher bearers and absolutely worshipped him, as did everyone of that generation in Liverpool. He made sure I and my cousins knew all about the greatest hero of the War to End All Wars.