THE shortlist of sculptors chosen to create a statue of Nelson Mandela in Scotland has been revealed, with a granite block from South Africa now stored in Aberdeenshire awaiting the final design of the selected artist.
The Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial Foundation (NMSMF) has announced five shortlisted sculptors, selected from a longlist drawn up from numerous expressions of interest and design submissions.
These were received following nominations from arts organisations and sculpture bodies and via an open call on the Creative Scotland platform.
The shortlisted artists will now produce more detailed design proposals and maquettes which will go on display in November for a public consultation.
The judging panel, which includes the Lord Provost of Glasgow and the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the UK, will then meet to recommend a sculptor for the creation of the statue to the NMSMF board, who aim to unveil the statue on October 9, 2026 - the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s visit to Glasgow in 1993.
The shortlist of the 5 sculptors:
- Paul Ferriter
- Hector Guest
- Alan B Herriot
- Kenny Hunter
- David J Mitchell
The former South African president visited Glasgow in 1993, during which he received the freedom of the city.
Glasgow was the first in the world to grant Mandela this honour in 1981 while he was still incarcerated on Robben Island.
Following Glasgow’s initiative, 8 other UK Local Authorities followed in awarding him the Freedom of their cities:
- Scotland: Aberdeen, Dundee, Midlothian District
- England: Newcastle, Sheffield, Hull, London Borough of Greenwich
- Wales: Islwyn
All nine UK cities came to Glasgow on 9 October 1993 to present Nelson Mandela with their Freedoms at a special ceremony in the City Chambers. Afterwards Mandela addressed a crowd of some 15,000 in George Square.
Chair of the NMSMF Brian Filling said: “A permanent memorial to Nelson Mandela will remind Scots and visitors to the city of the proud history of solidarity with the struggle against apartheid and will also provide a focal point for an educational programme for future generations on the need to stand up against racism and injustice whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head.
"That history of solidarity saw huge support from Scotland and its anti-apartheid movement with practical help, boycotts, campaigning, a year-long picket of the South African Consulate, the renaming of the consulate’s address as Nelson Mandela Place, and the 30,000 strong Freedom March from Glasgow Green to London.
"We have now reached a key stage in the journey to create a statue of Nelson Mandela with the adoption of a shortlist of sculptors being asked to design the sculpture."
"Glasgow holds Mr Mandela’s memory close to its heart, and it is only fitting that his historic achievements and great personal sacrifices are honoured by the erection of a statue in the city to remind future generations of his struggle to topple apartheid in South Africa.
"Of course, Glasgow was the first city in the world to grant the revered civil rights campaigner Freedom of the City while he was still incarcerated in 1981 and it was a joyful and momentous occasion when, finally freed, he was able to travel here to receive the honour in person in 1993."
She added: "No one who lived through those historic times will forget the name Nelson Mandela and I believe a statue is a fitting tribute to ensure the Noble Peace Prize winner and all he stood for, are forever remembered in Scotland.”
