Liverpool Carters Working Horse Monument Project

(Joe Hartley and other ex-Carters are trying to raise money for a Carters Monument)

View Pictures of the Full Size Model Being Built:

1999

January  & February 2007

March 2007

April 2007

May 2007

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The Monument
The Liverpool Working Horse Monument 'Waiting' has been designed by renowned equine sculptor Judy Boyt in consultation with the members of the Retired Carter's Association. The horse will stand approximately 16 hands high (1.80m, 6'), cast in bronze, on a rectangular slate base. The base will have the outline of a wagon and two horses plus a potted history of the Liverpool working horse sandblasted into the surface.

The estimated total cost for the monument is now £120,000. To date through their own efforts the Carters have amassed a balance of over £76,000 has been raised. Fundraising is ongoing and they have been designated as a charitable organisation.

The location for the monument has yet to be confirmed. The Carters feel a position on the Albert Dock site i.e. Hartley Quay, would be appropriate as many of them trod the cobbles in this area during their working lives.

'Waiting' (Marquette) by Judy Boyt MA FRBS

The Project
The proud history of the Carters and their horses was in danger of being lost, but the members of the Retired Carter's Association have kept their history alive by their determined efforts to get recognition for the Liverpool Working Horse.

For more than 250 years horses were used to move goods to and from Liverpool docks and businesses. At their peak more than 20,000 horses worked on the streets of Liverpool, more than in any other city outside London.

During the Second World War the Liverpool Carter's and their horses maintained the vital link between the docks and the city, keeping food and raw materials moving during the most difficult of times.

By the 1950s horsepower had been largely replaced by petrol-driven wagons which could move larger loads more quickly. It was the end of an era.

Cultural value to Liverpool
Judy Boyt is a renowned sculptor who has completed many important commissions. These include Rebellion commissioned by Standard Life in London for which Judy was awarded the Royal Society of British Sculptors medal in 1993. She won the British Sporting Art Trust Award 2001 for Evocation of Speed, sited in Epsom town centre and has produced bronzes of many racehorses including Golden Miller which is located at Cheltenham Racecourse. 

To have a sculpture by such an eminent artist would be a fine addition to the impressive collection of statues in Liverpool.

Educational Importance 
It is hoped that the bulk of the preparation work for the monument could be completed on site in Liverpool. This would allow the people of Liverpool to develop ''ownership'' of it and offer an insight into the fascinating process of manufacturing a public monument. 

The Carters are supported by the Museum of Liverpool Life who have instigated a programme to record the stories of their working lives. They plan to produce a book about Liverpool Carters to coincide with the unveiling of the monument.

A series of workshops related to the monument would be programmed for the duration of the work done in Liverpool. It is also possible that a television company may be interested in following the story of the Carters and the production of the monument.

Former Lord Mayor of Liverpool with members of the ex Carters Group
- taking delivery of the Model of the Horse Monument
 

Historical Importance
A guidebook to Liverpool in 1914 reported "It is the boast of Liverpool that the horses employed in the city's industry are the finest in the kingdom, and it is a boast to which it is scarcely possible to take exception."

It could be said that Liverpool was built on the back of horses and we believe that their important role in the city's history should be properly celebrated with a monument to their loyalty and service.

There is huge public affection for the working horse evidenced by the response in terms of support and donations whenever any publicity for the monument appears. 

The monument would be a popular addition to the cultural and historical heritage of Liverpool and to have it in place for the 2007 Charter celebrations and the European Capital of Culture year of 2008 would be a fitting tribute to both the Carters and their horses. 

Sharon Brown (Secretary of the Group)
Curator of Land Transport and Industrial Collections
National Museums Liverpool
Dock Traffic Office
Albert Dock
Liverpool
L3 4AX

Tel:0151-478-4064