Nov 22 2006 100 heads

Called in to see Anthony Brown, the artist responsible for the 100 Heads project which will be unveiled next year. I wanted to reassure him there would be no clash with the 'Spirit of Liverpool' project I am running in the Echo, which also contains some contempiorary art work.

I met Anthony and his wife Lorraine at their studio-gallery at the bottom of Hanover Street. They'll be there until the end of the year when they need to find some new premises.

The work he is doing is quite extraordinary.

icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews

Essentially, using a collage of submiited memories from his subject he adds a portrait to create a graphic representation of a person's life.

He is three quarters of the way through the '100 heads' - all Liverpool people, some famous, some not.

His skill is undeniable. The pictures that work best though, are where the subject has been prepared to bare their soul. To look at their scars as well as their medals; to open their lives to the world at large rather than allow a peep through to a sterile and oft-seen room.

One of his subjects is Jason Harborow, Chief Executive of the Culture Company, whom I met, coincidentally, for lunch afterwards. Jason's mood was good. Clearly the announcement of an outline programme for 08 has helped head off the doubters.

http://www.liverpool08.com/Events/2008Highlights

Phil Redmond is to join the Culture Board. It's a good decision and brings in someone who will help bridge the gap between the city's great and good and the ordinary Joe in the street.

He will not though, nod in all the right places. He is an innovator more than a facliitator. Interesting times ahead....

Morgan is four tomorrow. Great excitement.