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Posted by Editor on 3rd March 2011 at 02:21 PM Video: No home for Salford Totem Pole
by Tom Rodgers
Despite a huge video campaign on SalfordOnline documenting the history, present and future of the Salford Totem Pole, this 32ft piece of industrial history can't find a home on Salford Docks.
In this interview, Councillor Steve Coen explains the situation.
Peel, who own the land on which MediaCityUK is built, have been approached, and said that they would not be interested in showcaseing the pole, and now The Lowry Centre, which receives hundred of thousands of pounds of public money from Salford have also declined to take the pole.
The Salford Totem Pole was a three-dimensional cultural artwork comissioned in the 1960s by the then head of shipping company Manchester Liners, who brought in huge amounts of timber and materials to the Salford Docks via the Manchester Ship Canal.
The family of the Canadian Indian Namgis tribe who carved the pole flew to England last year to begin restoring this incredible artefact.
The Manchester Museum have expressed interest in exhibiting the pole, and providing support via outreach programs with local school to teach the city's children about their links to Indians thousands of miles away.
But what does it say about Salford when we can't show an interest in, or hold on to our own heritage?
Management at The Lowry Outlet Mall, where the 32ft Canadian cedar pole was part-restored, have also been asked and said it was impractical for them to hold the pole, as it would disrupt their annual Christmas celebrations.
So despite Salford having one of the only strong links to the trading history of the Salford Docks in the palm of its hand, landowners at the Quays cannot find a home for it.
 Comment by Mary 4th March 2011
Really shortsighted and wasteful - such a privelege to have a beautiful example of world art and Salford should be fighting to hold on to it. |
Comment by Kay 3rd March 2011
It really has to stay at the quays! What on earth are they thinking of? Put it in the park/seating area around media city. However, if all else fails Seadog has the right idea. I know he would do something interesting with it |
Comment by Guest 3rd March 2011
The City of Salford owns a work of art, a gift from Furness Withy, worth goodness knows how much (£500,000.00 + ?) which is in danger of being donated to Manchester. Who owns the Lowry Theatre? Who pays for the upkeep and running of the Lowry Theatre? This is a BIG decision and is worthy of debate before one person decides on "NO". Totem poles are not part of the culture of ALL First Nation (we used to call them Red Indian) peoples, they are an ancient tradition ONLY of those tribes from the North West Pacific Coast. This is indeed a rare pice of art that has been restored to its vibrant original colours. As I understand it the Lowry Theatre belongs to Salford, Salford people. Is it Salford Council Tax payers who provide for the running and upkeep of the Lowry Theatre? Would this not be the perfect permanent place for something that was erected in 1969 to mark the trade links between Salford and Canada. This is also within yards of the spot where the Lacota nation were represented in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show; they lived in this part of Salford for five months. Seems to me like the perfect permanent home for THE SALFORD TOTEM POLE. |
Comment by Seadog 3rd March 2011
Tom, if you get desperate and a Salford home for the Pole, outside the Quays, could be considered, give me a call. |
Comment by Cheesed Off 3rd March 2011
Bloody hell, why does it have to end up in Manchester? this is a Salford piece of art not Manchester's. Loads of room around the Quays area for it. What is up with the BBC, why can't they have it, would look great in their forecourt. Let us not lose this please. |
Comment by Salfordian 3rd March 2011
Typical Peel Holdings again, all take and no give. Also typical that Merry and Co are not to the fore in promoting Salford's heritage as the people want, only how they want. Grrrrr!!!! |
Comment by TomSO ( member ) 3rd March 2011
We have asked Julia Fawcett for an interview and we are still waiting to hear of a date. As soon as we know, you'll know. |
Comment by Jack Jones 3rd March 2011
The Director of the Lowry is Julia Forcett what has she got to say about this??? |
Comment by SteveM ( member ) 3rd March 2011
I would suggest NOT moving the blue cranes to the Regent Road Roundabout and re-locating the crane to one of the plinths that have been built by the NWDA there. Whilst this is outside and not ideal, Steven himself suggests this is not a major problem. The site was deemed "prestigious" enough for the Quays Cranes, therefore it should tick that box for the totem pole and the site is certainly in the public eye. The totem pole would be seen by thousands of drivers every day!
One small hurdle remains in the way of this idea: The Leader of the Council, Labour Councillor John Merry, would need to agree with the Ordsall & Langworthy Community Committee that moving the blue cranes should not go ahead as it is a waste of money. They should instead be scrapped and recycled, which would save this city £1/2 million pounds out of it's capital budget. What say you Steven and John? |
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