June 2009 - Martin Jennings chosen as artist to design the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue

MSMSA Artist Shortlist

Maurice Blik
Georgia Boyd Russell
Joy Gregory
Martin Jennings
Fowokan George Kelly
Etienne Millner
Susan Stockwell
Bill Woodrow

An artist selection panel, chaired by Baroness Amos and featuring some of the country's leading cultural experts, has undertaken the task to select an artist. Following an international call for artists, a wealth of work has already been submitted and reviewed, with a final shortlist of eight artists having been agreed. Shortlisted artists will exhibit their proposals at Coutts in The Strand, London in April 2009. The final chosen artist will be announced in May 2009.

Education, and activities designed to raise awareness of her work and achievements, are further important aspects of the work of the charity. In addition, your support will further enhance the knowledge of the Nation with respect to the long history of Black heroes and heroines, their contribution to, and associations with, Britain.

Maurice Blik

My aim is to convey the bold, independent, but above all, nurturing spirit of Mary Seacole and also to acknowledge her contribution to history.

Georgia Boyd Russell

Mary Seacole should be a world icon, a burning candle of hope under a leaden sky. She was all giving, knowledgeable and non judgmental of class or creed. The memorial should tell younger generations of her courage in the face of defeat.

Joy Gregory

No one can hear Mary Seacole's story and fail to be inspired. For me her most abiding quality was her drive to treat the injured and sick regardless of their allegiances and facing any situation to do so.

Martin Jennings

Mary Seacole's courage, determination and compassion were undimmed by adversity. More than any other figure of her times, she gives answers to the prevailing questions in our own. By commemorating her now we illuminate this pivotal moment in our history.

Fowokan George Kelly

Mary Seacole is part of sacred history. Sacred histories reveal invisible dimensions that support transcendent ideals. Without sacred history, the self would have no relationship to family, family no relationship to community; community no relationship to the world, and the world no relationship to Creation.

Etienne Millner

Mary Seacole's courage in her life and work is an inspiration. Faced with prejudice and difficulties, her determination to give her knowledge to the Crimean War gained her great public admiration. My sculpture will attempt to convey this strength whilst showing her un-judging warmth to all.

Susan Stockwell

Mary Seacole is an inspirational role model. She was a great woman with a pioneering spirit and generous soul. She over came unimaginable adversity to be a profound humanist with an unswerving dedication to her profession who deserves to be honoured in a fitting way.

Bill Woodrow

Mary Seacole is somebody I would very much liked to have known and travelled with. This project will be fascinating, but not easy.