Mandela8 is a charitable incorporated organization that had a vision to create a special place in Toxteth, Liverpool. To honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy. In the summer of 2023, we achieved this by establishing a unique permanent artwork that serves as a space for performance, conversation and reflection.
This project aims to preserve and share historical heritage, support community development and cohesion – whilst encouraging creative collaborations with its widespread community and educational engagement. It’s located on the man-made island in the ornamental lake of Grade 2 listed Princes Park, a historically significant site designed by architect Joseph Paxton. The artwork enhances the park experience for Liverpool communities and stands as a landmark for the city.
Nelson Mandela’s importance to Liverpool is well documented, and in Toxteth, the area known as Liverpool 8, Mandela was, and remains, a highly significant role model.
“Wayward is deeply honoured to be selected to design the Nelson Mandela Memorial, Liverpool. This important remembrance is for future generations to discover how the men and women in the great City of Liverpool stood with Nelson Mandela throughout his struggle to end apartheid and heal a fractured nation. The design of the memorial reflects upon the gardens Mandela tended to while incarcerated, notably in oil drums at Pollsmoor Prison, which stood as symbols of resistance, tools for resilience, spaces for reflection and platforms for community.” – Heather Ring, Director, Wayward
Wayward, commissioned by Mandela8, developed the stunning Memorial design, in consultation with local communities and stakeholders and it has many synergies with Nelson Mandela’s journey:
Sonia Bassey MBE Trustee and Chair
Paul Duhaney Trustee and Company Secretary
David Brown
Trustee
Stephen Nze Advisor
Nick Birkinshaw Advisor
The Nelson Mandela Foundation
The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
Trent Alexander-ArnoldLFC & England international
Paul Van Zyl Ex Executive Secretary, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, South Africa
Sir Nicholas Stalden Retired English High Court Judge
Lord Peter Hain Former leader of the UK anti-apartheid movement and MP
Emma Carey Managing Partner MSB Solicitors
Maria O’Reilly Activist & Community Leader
Wally Brown CBE Activist & Community Leader
04/09/2025
News Story
New exhibition to tell the story of Black musicians from Toxteth – ‘The Harlem of Europe’
16/09/2024
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Mandela8 Chair to receive an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University
04/07/2024
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Liverpool Encouraged To Take Part In ‘Acts Of Kindness’ To Celebrate Mandela Day This July
15/03/2024
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A new mural of a community champion and photographer has appeared in Liverpool
13/11/2023
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Mandela8 Announce Newest Trustee Following Completion Of Memorial In Liverpool
07/11/2021
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Collective of Black Organisations and Allies in Support of Mayor Joanne Anderson
08/07/2021
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Region’s Residents And Businesses Urged To Carry Out ‘Acts Of Kindness’ For Mandela Day
01/10/2020
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LFC and England international, Trent Alexander-Arnold becomes Patron of Mandela8
14/07/2020
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First elected African-Caribbean female Government Minister becomes Mandela8 Patron
