Has Tracey Emin’s bird flown the coop?

Jul 2 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

British artist Tracey Emin's first piece of public art 'Roman Standard' bird on a pole outside the Oratory by Liverpool's Anglican catherdral is missing _320

The artwork was commissioned by the BBC back in 2005 as part of the art05 festival and Capital of Culture 2008.

It was unveiled by Emin on a ladder during a visit to the city.

Emin said the sculpture was a symbol of “faith, hope and spirituality” but denied it was based on a Liver Bird.

The bird, which is the size of a sparrow, disappears when viewed from the front and only reappears as the viewer moves left to right.

A spokesman for the BBC said they didn’t know what had happened to the bird but said: “The bird is a unique work of art and we hope its whereabouts are discovered as soon as possible for the people of, and visitors to, Liverpool.”

Emin, whose previous works include her unmade bed and a tent bearing the names of everyone she has slept with, is no stranger to controversy.

Widely regarded as one of the enfants terrible of the Britart world, she chose Liverpool as the site for the Roman Standard, her first ever piece of public art.

Speaking at the public unveiling three years ago, Emin said: “I love Liverpool, it’s one of my favourite cities.

“I was quite pro-active in supporting its bid to become European Capital of Culture so I’m very proud to be given this commission.”

London-based White Cube, who represent Emin, said she wasn’t available for comment and could not comment at all on the subject.

laurasharpe@dailypost.co.uk