In a tribute to the legendary Liver Bird, Tracey’s sculpture 'Roman Standard' features a small bird atop a four metre high bronze pole. It stands guarding the gates of The Oratory, next to the Anglican Cathedral on Upper Duke Street. Tracey says: “Liverpool has been one of my favourite cities since I first visited. I was quite pro-active in supporting its bid to become European Capital of Culture so I’m very proud to be given this commission.”
 | | Tracey Emin and BBC's Alan Yentob |
The location for the piece was chosen by Tracey who was attracted by the neo-Roman feel of the city’s architecture and the Victorian romanticism conjured up by the site. She says: “Since 1992 I’ve been making a series of drawings, etchings and prints of birds. I’ve always had the idea that birds are the angels of this earth and that they represent freedom. My Roman Standard represents strength but also femininity. Most public sculptures are a symbol of power which I find oppressive and dark. I wanted something that had a magic and an alchemy, something which would appear and disappear, and not dominate.” The pole is centred behind the Oratory gates and can be viewed directly from the front. The bird disappears and only reappears if the viewer moves left or right.
Tracey spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside's Arts Producer Angela Heslop about her idea of birds being the angels of this earth and represent freedom.
Click on the audio link on the top of this page to hear the interview. Julian Treuherz, Keeper of Art Galleries for National Museums Liverpool says: “Tracey’s sculpture will bring a new dimension to an area of Liverpool already rich in great historic buildings and historical associations. I am really pleased that we have been able to help Tracey realise this imaginative and intriguing work of art.” | 
