Nottingham's Newest Statue

It was good—no, it was incredible—to be there, to share in this moment, and to witness the unveiling of Standing in This Place. As a fellow local artist who works to amplify community voices, I was proud to be part of this project, co-producing the talking postcards and supporting the Legacy Makers family. This wasn’t just about my perspective—it was about carrying forward the voices of so many who have been unheard, ensuring authenticity, validation, and recognition of their stories. Today was a testament to the power of art, history, and community, and seeing it all come together was something truly special.

Well over 250 people gathered at Nottingham Library, and what a crowd it was! A mix of ages, backgrounds, and experiences, all united in celebrating this powerful sculpture and the stories it represents. The space was filled with love, connection, and conversation—so much so that I don’t think I’ve had that many squeezes and hugs in years! Well, let’s just say if hugs were currency, I’d be retiring tomorrow.

One of the joys of the day was getting to interview people—finding out what they thought of the event, the statue, and the conversations it sparked. Their words, their emotions, their reflections—it all reinforced just how much this piece means to so many. This wasn’t just about unveiling a sculpture; it was about unveiling stories, memories, and connections that have been waiting to be told.

A personal highlight? Sharing this moment with my 17-year-old nephew, who’s been by my side throughout this journey, from Cromford Mills to other key parts of the project. Seeing him engage with the work, hearing him say how the statue caught his attention on his way to college—now that was a full-circle moment. He’s grown up with this history in the background, and today, he got to stand in it, witness it, and be a part of it!

And, of course, none of this would have been possible without Rachel Carter. It’s easy to look at the stunning sculpture and admire her artistic talent (which is undeniable), but what many don’t see is just how much work she has put into making this project a reality. Rachel wasn’t just the artist—she was the driving force, the coordinator, the fundraiser, and the glue that held so many moving parts together. Behind the scenes, she worked tirelessly to ensure that this piece wasn’t just made but that it had meaning, impact, and a rightful place in the heart of Nottingham. The Legacy Makers know full well the effort it has taken, and today was as much about celebrating Rachel’s work as it was about celebrating the stories she has helped to bring to life.

Nottingham Library was alive with energy, and the Legacy Makers brought their full spirit to the day. This project has been a journey—one of resilience, hard work, and dedication from so many, and to see it all culminate in such a beautiful, powerful event was unforgettable.

This statue isn’t just a piece of art—it’s a conversation starter, a marker of history, and a tribute to the women whose voices have too often been left in the shadows. And now, standing proudly in Nottingham, it ensures that their stories are seen, heard, and remembered.

Today was about legacy, but it was also about love. And what if my arms ache from all those hugs tomorrow? Well, it was worth every single one.