A new monument in Liverpool’s Pride Quarter will celebrate an artist whose career began with the city’s embrace and creative freedom.
Cities are shaped by the people who bring colour, creativity and character to their streets, and Liverpool’s planned tribute to The Vivienne celebrates an artist whose influence reached far beyond the city.
A life-size statue of The Vivienne is planned for the intersection of Victoria Street and Stanley Street, the official entrance to Liverpool’s Pride Quarter. The project is being developed by the House of The Vivienne CIC, established by James Lee Williams’ family following his death in January 2025, alongside LGBTQ+ platform Proudly Said.
The proposed monument is intended to become a place of connection as well as remembrance. Described by organisers as an interactive landmark and a “guardian angel” for the local community, the statue will reflect the energy, creativity and warmth that defined The Vivienne’s public presence.
From Liverpool beginnings to international recognition
Long before audiences around the world knew the name The Vivienne, James Lee Williams was developing his craft in Liverpool. Arriving in the city at the age of 16, he found a creative environment that helped shape his identity as a performer.
Liverpool’s music, arts and nightlife scenes provided the foundation for a career that would eventually reach an international audience. His talent for performance, sharp humour and distinctive style became central to his success, culminating in his victory on the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
That achievement brought global recognition, but Liverpool remained an important part of his story. The city was where his journey began, where he built his confidence as an artist and where he developed the connection with audiences that remained throughout his career.
The planned statue celebrates this relationship between performer and place. Positioned at the entrance to the Pride Quarter, it will recognise not only an individual achievement but also the creative communities that allow artists to grow.
A tribute that celebrates creativity and community
The project requires community fundraising of approximately £100,000 for its creation and installation. Early support has already come from the Liverpool Business Improvement District and the Attitude Magazine Foundation, which has contributed £5,000 towards launching the campaign.
For those behind the initiative, the statue represents more than a celebration of The Vivienne’s performances. It also reflects the importance of creating spaces where people feel welcomed and represented.
The House of The Vivienne CIC is also using James’s legacy to support conversations around mental health and addiction. The organisation works to challenge stigma surrounding addiction and encourage access to support networks, turning personal loss into an opportunity to help others.
This wider work forms part of a legacy built on connection. Throughout his career, The Vivienne brought confidence, humour and creativity to audiences, while also representing the importance of being able to express identity openly and authentically.
Liverpool’s Pride Quarter gains a new landmark
Public artworks often become part of a city’s shared memory. They mark moments, celebrate individuals and create spaces where communities can gather around stories that matter.
The planned tribute to The Vivienne will add another chapter to Liverpool’s cultural landscape, honouring an artist whose career began locally and grew into international success. It will stand as a reminder of the creativity that emerges when people find spaces where they can be themselves.
For Liverpool, the statue is not simply a look back at a remarkable career. It is a celebration of the lasting connection between an artist and the city that helped inspire his journey.