May 2025
The last few months have seen significant steps forward in realising the memorial in Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow. Our supporters may be interested in where the project stands and our next steps.
The Site
As reported at recent events and through email updates, our original site proved problematic due to the discovery of a range of unmapped underground services including power, water, drainage and network utilities. It was concluded that the costs and timescales associated in diverting these were unfeasible and unaffordable.
We are pleased to report that, following the advice of professionals, we proposed moving the site some 6 metres. We were successful in obtaining amended Planning Consent for the new position. A further set of investigatory trenches were arranged on our behalf by our main contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM). These confirmed the suitability of the new position, marked above. SRM are now in the process of designing the statue foundations which they will also construct. Works on the foundations will be undertaken in the Autumn of this year.
The Design Competition
Having finally secured a viable site with planning consent and an internationally recognized construction contractor to undertake design and build of the necessary infrastructure, we were ready to start the process to look for a sculptor to design this important monument to Nelson Mandela in Glasgow.
In April 2025, we promoted the commission through the Opportunities Portal of Creative Scotland and also invited nominations via established artistic organisations. We took advice from experienced professionals on how best to approach this process to secure in the first instance “Expressions of Interest”.
‘We are delighted to report on the launch of the design competition to secure a sculptor for this important commission’. The commission synopsis can be found HERE
The Plinth
Our supporters may recall that we have on order South African granite which will be finished by contractor Fyfe Glenrock in Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire. This granite is now in the country and ready to be finished to the specification agreed by the sculptor and the Foundation.
Next Steps
We will now be engaging with interested sculptors, sending them the full Design Brief and inviting Stage 1 submissions of design concepts. These submissions will become the initial longlist for the design competition. We are in the process of refining and agreeing the timeline for Evaluation and will work towards a shortlist of 5 artists with a final appointment expected around November of this year.
We will continue to keep our supporters updated via forthcoming events.
We are happy to report that we have had a significant response from artists recording their interest in the commission. Many of those lodging their interest in the commission have provided links to recent or previous work demonstrating a wide variety of talent and artistic styles.
Contact Us: Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation
Chair: Brian Filling
b.filling@btinternet.com
Vice Chair & Project Manager for Statue: Janis Carson
jmgcarson@gmail.com
Secretary: John Nelson
Johnnelson48@yahoo.co.uk