Mandela Memorial Princes Park

After 10 years of planning, Mandela8’s vision was finally realised with the public opening of their Memorial to commemorate the late Nelson Mandela, on the lake island in the Joseph Paxton designed Grade II listed Princes Park, Liverpool 8.
Liverpool was an active city in the anti-apartheid movement, including banning South African goods and Liverpool County Council awarding Nelson Mandela the ‘Freedom of the City’ Civic honour in 1994.
The memorial design includes a ‘Freedom’ pedestrian bridge, reinstating the lost connection between the park and lake island. With 32 cylindrical Portland stone pedestals, each inscribed with letter-cut inspirational quotes from Mandela. The pedestals layout ensures their practical use as seating for outdoor learning, reflection and performances.
The cylindrical limestone design was chosen in reference to the 16 oil barrels that Mandela utilised on the Pollsmoor prison roof, Robben Island to cultivate a garden/allotment and the limestone he had quarried whilst imprisoned.
We were honoured to be able to supply the 32 inscribed Jordans Basebed pedestals for the memorial. Portland stone has been used in memorials for centuries due to its uniform creamy texture. This allows for intricate carving combined with high durability and weather resistance. Deep cut-lettering ensures that inscriptions remain legible continuing to share Mandela's legacy for many generations to come.