The Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation (NMSMF) has announced the shortlist of sculptors to create a statue of Nelson Mandela in Scotland. The statue will be sited in Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow.
The shortlist of 5 sculptors is as follows:
Paul Ferriter
Hector Guest
Alan B Herriot
Kenny Hunter
David J Mitchell
*Examples of previous work by the shortlisted sculptors is available HERE
The 5 shortlisted sculptors were selected from a longlist which was drawn up from the numerous expressions of interest and design submissions. These were received following nominations from arts organisations and sculpture bodies and via an open call on the Creative Scotland platform. An Evaluation Panel comprising a wide range of professionals with artistic, architectural and engineering experience recommended a list of sculptors to the Board of NMSMF which finalised the shortlist.
The shortlisted artists will now produce more detailed design proposals and maquettes which will go on display in November for a public consultation. The Judging Panel will then meet to recommend a sculptor for the creation of the statue to the NMSMF Board. The Judging Panel will include the Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow, the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the UK and the Chair of the NMSMF Board.
A granite block has been sourced from South Africa and is being stored in Aberdeenshire to be finished according to the design of the selected sculptor. Glasgow was the first city in the world to grant Mandela the Freedom of the City in 1981 while he was still incarcerated on Robben Island. This had a world-wide effect and kick-started 2,264 mayors from 56 different countries signing a declaration to the UN demanding his release. Following Glasgow’s initiative 8 other UK Local Authorities followed in awarding him the Freedom of their cities. They were Aberdeen, Dundee, Midlothian District in Scotland; Newcastle, Sheffield, Hull and the London Borough of Greenwich in England; and Islwyn in Wales. All 9 UK cities came to Glasgow on 9 October 1993 to present Nelson Mandela with their Freedoms at a special ceremony in the City Chambers. Afterwards Mandela addressed a crowd of some 15,000 in George Square.
Brian Filling, Chair of the NMSMF, said, “A permanent memorial to Nelson Mandela will remind Scots and visitors to the city of the proud history of solidarity with the struggle against apartheid and will also provide a focal point for an educational programme for future generations on the need to stand up against racism and injustice whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head.
“That history of solidarity saw huge support from Scotland and its anti-apartheid movement with practical help, boycotts, campaigning, a year-long picket of the South African Consulate, the renaming of the consulate’s address as Nelson Mandela Place, and the 30,000 strong Freedom March from Glasgow Green to London.”
We have now reached a key stage in the journey to create a statue of Nelson Mandela with the adoption of a shortlist of sculptors being asked to design the sculpture. “Our aim is to unveil the statue on 9 October 2026 on the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s visit to Glasgow in 1993.”
The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, said, “It is a great pleasure to support the Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation’s campaign.
“Glasgow holds Mr Mandela’s memory close to its heart, and it is only fitting that his historic achievements and great personal sacrifices are honoured by the erection of a statue in the city to remind future generations of his struggle to topple apartheid in South Africa.
“Of course, Glasgow was the first city in the world to grant the revered civil rights campaigner Freedom of the City while he was still incarcerated in 1981 and it was a joyful and momentous occasion when, finally freed, he was able to travel here to receive the honour in person in 1993.
“In 1986, prior to his release, Glasgow named Nelson Mandela Place in support of the man who had become the world’s most famous political prisoner and in 1988 Glasgow Green was the starting point for the epic Nelson Mandela Freedom March to London.
“Even after his sad death in 2013, the city’s links with his family lived on. Indeed, it was an honour for Glasgow to welcome his grand-daughter, Tukwini, to his birthday celebrations here during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“No one who lived through those historic times will forget the name Nelson Mandela and I believe a statue is a fitting tribute to ensure the Noble Peace Prize winner and all he stood for, are forever remembered in Scotland.”
ENDS
Issued by Janis Carson, NMSMF Project Manager.
Further information: Brian Filling, Chair NMSMF and Honorary Consul for South Africa in
Scotland. b.filling@btinternet.com; tel: 07989 346644.