Ken Dodd backs campaign to save the Superlambanana

Feb 19 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

LEGENDARY comedian Ken Dodd last night pledged his support to the Daily Post’s campaign to save the Superlambanana.

Last night the solicitor representing the Japanese artist Taro Chiezo, who created the art work, said he was willing to have an independent valuer put a price on the sculpture so the city knew it was not being asked to pay over the odds for the work.

It comes after the Daily Post exclusively revealed last week that the popular attraction could be sold, possibly to Manchester, as the work is only on loan to the city.

More than 500 people have already taken part in our online poll and 85% of our readers agreed that Liverpool should fight to save the famous sculpture.

Francis McEntegart, solicitor for Mr Chiezo, who created the Superlambanana, said his client was not looking for “anything crazy” – only a fair price for the sculpture.

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He has written to the Culture Company to offer the city the chance to buy the sculpture when a 10-year loan agreement ends this year.

Ken Dodd said last night: “A cross between a lamb and a ban- ana, that’s typical Liverpool. I support the campaign because anything that brings fun, laughter and joy to Liverpool is worth supporting.”

Paul Flanagan, owner of the Sir Thomas Hotel and Newz Bar, said: “Personally I am not that fond of it as a piece of art but if it encourages young people to have a go then I am all for it.

“Anything which attracts visitors to the city has got to be a good thing, I would gladly keep it if we could wave goodbye to the Mersey wave.”

Originally commissioned in 1998, the Superlambanana has had a number of homes around the city. The loan agreement with the city comes to an end on December 31, 2008, after which time Mr Chiezo will be free to exercise his right to claim back the icon.

It currently stands guard outside the Liverpool John Moores University learning resource centre, in Tithebarn Street.

davidbartlett