On the Fourth Plinth
Local Salvationist Olive Long will be proud to see son, Robert, step up to the fourth Plinth Challenge in Trafalgar Square, London, tomorrow (Wednesday 15 July).
Olive Long
Olive, with husband Terry, is a regular attender of our Sunday evening meetings and is excited about the challenge. Salvation Army hostel manager Robert and homeless resident Frank Wibberley are stepping up to the challenge as part of an exciting live art installation One & Other instigated by world famous artist Antony Gormley.
Robert & Frank
Robert and Frank were picked at random from more than 22,000 applicants to be just two of 2,400 accepted entrants in the exciting artwork exhibition in London which paints a fascinating portrait of the UK in the twenty-first century. The 100-day event began on 6 July and will run 24 hours a day until 14 October.
The men who work and reside at The Salvation Army’s Salisbury House 68-bed hostel in St Helens are busy preparing their hour-long ‘performance’ in two separate time slots that will include symbolic representation of homelessness and associated issues such as addiction.
The project will be reflected on screen through a weekly programme showcasing the nation’s favourite ‘plinthers’ as voted for on the dedicated website www.oneandother.co.uk and a full-length documentary, taking the viewer on the journey from the first application to the final hour on the plinth to be broadcast on Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts 1 HD from July.
Robert, whose stint on the plinth will start at 10pm on Wednesday (tomorrow), said: “This is the first time I have taken part in a live art installation but hopefully I shall get full support from members of staff at Salisbury House who will be coming down to London with us. The performance will include ‘sleeping’ in a cardboard box and using props such as a mortar board and gown to represent educational opportunities at the hostel and empty beer cans to symbolise the addiction of alcohol which affects some of our residents.” He added: “I am very proud of the people who live at Salisbury House and the people who work hard aiding the transformation of people’s lives. This seems to encapsulate the principles of One & Other – of true heroes who have been able to change their lives, conquer difficulties and enter back into the community.”
Homeless resident Frank will take his stand on the Fourth Plinth on Monday 20 July 2009 from 1am to 2am.
Frank, 26, who has been living at Salisbury House since losing his forklift driving job and flat in the Recession, said: “I used to work in London as a labourer so I know the city a fair bit but this is something different. I remember Robert asking residents who wanted to take part and when he came to me I jumped at the chance. I hope to help raise awareness about Salisbury House, The Salvation Army and the myths surrounding homelessness and what it is to be a homeless person.”