AS THE public faces of Capital of Culture year recently said their goodbyes and thank-yous, there was one person, in particular, they wanted to single out.
Phil Taylor might not have been in the limelight, but for 20 years worked behind the scenes as Liverpool Council’s arts development manager.
Speaking on the eve of retirement after a 35-year career, he said Liverpool’s cultural life was “energised” by its culture year success.
Mr Taylor was instrumental in helping to secure grants and funding, and working between parties to forge partnerships and get artistic endeavours of all sizes off the ground, from small writers’ groups to the opening of the Fact centre.
Mr Taylor, 51, began working with the council just days after receiving his A-level results.
His time with library services, where he spent 10 years at Central and Toxteth libraries, incorporated projects including one of the most poignant local tributes to the Hillsborough tragedy.
