Ownership fight looms over iconic Liverpool sculpture

Mar 12 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

BATTLE lines were drawn last night over ownership of Liverpool’s iconic Superlambanana.

Japanese artist Taro Chiezo, who created the work, claims ownership of the 17ft sculpture.

Last month the Daily Post exclusively revealed that his barrister Francis McEntegart had written to the Liverpool Culture Company to offer the organisation first refusal on its sale.

He also said there had been interest from individuals in Manchester to buy the art work.

In response the Daily Post has launched a campaign to keep the icon in Liverpool.

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In the latest twist, Liverpool Culture Company has written to Mr McEntegart demanding they provide evidence of ownership.

Last night he said he was in the process of getting the original documents from artist Taro Chiezo but said the Culture Company could speed up the process by showing the documents it has.

Mr McEntegart also accused the Culture Company of contradicting itself when last month it said it had a loan agreement with Mr Chiezo which comes to an end on December 31, 2008, after which time the artist was free to exercise his right to claim back the icon.

The organisation that commissioned the work - Artranspennine - no longer exists.

Last night the Culture Company urged Mr McEntegart to discuss the situation.

Mr McEntegart said: “It seems they are trying to hold the artist to ransom now.”

He said if documents could not be provided “usual custom” would dictate that the artist owned the work.

He said if the Culture Company thought that it owned the work then it should provide the evidence to prove it.

“They might as well show us now, either it’s all done and the council and Liverpool get to keep it, and the only person that loses is Taro.

“Or the council have not got anything, I think we have been as fair as possible in this.

“The letter feels like a stalling to me.”

A spokesman for the Culture Company said: “We have written to Mr McEntegart to ask him to provide the evidence and documentation of ownership, and we look forward to a response so we can resolve this matter swiftly for the benefit of all parties.”

davidbartlett