Those of you reading this will probably know that since the Appeal was set up we have consistently argued that the
statue, when it is made, should be situated in the Gardens of the Royal Pavilion, near the entrance of the Museum and its modern education block. We wanted a safe site where school parties, families and tourist groups could gather, absorb information, listen to tour guides and pose for photographs, before entering the Museum itself.
On behalf of the trustees I now need to inform supporters that, after much soul searching, we have decided to give up the idea of placing the proposed statue of Mary in the Pavilion Gardens. As you may know, this proposal had very widespread community and political support. However, it was resolutely opposed by the trustees of the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust, who were and are anxious to safeguard the Regency design of the gardens. We hoped the trustees might change their position once their multi-phased Heritage Lottery grant was secured, but this did not prove to be the case.
We have come to the conclusion that even if planning permission were to be granted for the site, we could be subject to challenges and delays. We fear that uncertainty about the site may already have negatively affected our funding bids. We do want to ensure that the statue is funded and unveiled ideally next year and certainly in good time for the 2028 centenary of all women achieving the Vote.
We have been in discussions with the City Council and other
bodies and now propose to submit a planning application to place the statue in New Road, just outside the Pavilion Gardens, directly opposite the entrance to the Theatre Royal. Sophie Denney, the Theatre Director has kindly given her support. Brighton & Hove City Council continues to give us all-party support, which is wonderful. The Dome and Festival Trust are supportive of this proposal, as is The Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust. Nevertheless, we are aware that our decision will disappoint some supporters.
We are grateful to the Jubilee Library for agreeing to display
our bronze maquette, made to the design of the proposed statue, in the foyer cabinet, where it is seen by many people.
Fundraising continues to be a challenge, having been affected first by Covid and then by the cost of living crisis. We have £20,000 of the £60,000 we need to commission the statue, but are struggling to raise the final £40,000. We are exploring every option for funding that we can, from CIL and Section 106 money (via the City Council and local developers) to approaching businesses and trusts.
Unfortunately our bids to for Heritage Lottery and Arts Council funding failed. Both bodies expressed real interest in our community and schools work, but seemed reluctant to fund a statue.
We now hope that greater certainty about the new proposed site (along with recent endorsements) may make our bids more attractive to heritage and arts trusts – and possibly local businesses, though we know many are struggling. We believe that if we can raise our bank balance to at least £40,000 we will be able to launch a final crowd funding appeal.
As always we would be grateful if supporters could suggest any local businesses, trusts or individuals who might be interested and able to help.
We would also welcome new volunteers, especially any able
to help staff information and fundraising stalls at the Open Market, fairs and community events. If you can hand out leaflets, get signatures on a petition or shake a collection tin – or use your car (if you have one) to move equipment – we need you. Do get in touch at jeancalder.mcsa@gmail.com.