Liverpool's Pride Quarter to honour The Vivienne with life-size statue

Plans have been unveiled to commission a life-size statue of The Vivienne at the entrance of the city's Pride Quarter.

It'll be located at the junction of Victoria Street and Stanley Street, and stand as a testament to the beloved figure in Liverpool's LGBTQ+ scene - and their huge impact on the community.

The project is backed by initial funding from Liverpool Business Improvement District, comprised of business and cultural leaders in the city, which has helped to kickstart a community fundraising campaign.

James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, moved to Liverpool at the age of 16 and quickly became a prominent figure within the city’s LGBTQ+ venues including Garlands, GBar, and Superstar Boudoir.

The Vivienne gained national recognition after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and later competing on Dancing on Ice, but always retained a strong connection to Liverpool's Pride Quarter.

They passed away in January 2025 following a battle with Ketamine addiction.

Read more: One year on: remembering drag legend The Vivienne

In their honour, House of The Vivienne CIC was established by the family to support others facing similar struggles, ensuring no one has to face such battles alone.

The statue represents a lasting tribute to The Vivienne, celebrating the legacy of inclusion and acceptance they championed.

"It's our job now to make sure their legacy continues"

Leading on the project, John Hyland, from Proudly Said, told Hits Radio Pride: "When James first passed away, the community were calling for a statue.

"So, we saw where things went, and it was the family who said they would love for a permanent memorial to The Vivienne in Liverpool, because they made such an impact on the local LGBTQ+ scene.

"We wanted to have a space that was a tribute, but also a place of solace.

"The initial idea is that Viv will be sat down, because in the night-time economy, drag queens and bar servers are like therapy - so it's like you can have a little chat with Viv.

"But we also want the statue to act as a guardian angel for the city's Pride Quarter, which'll also act as a stepping stone for a conversation about re-investment into the area, so it truly reflects and represents the community.

"We know that James was fighting a silent battle with addiction, so we'd love to raise awareness of House of the Vivienne and other similar charities through this, too.

"It's difficult - and people need to know there's support out there.

"So, the statue is a tribute to Viv, a place to find solace, and we hope will attract more people to the area.

"It just goes to show about how far reaching The Vivienne is, and will continue to be.

"And it's our job now to make sure their legacy continues - and we will do that."

"This is a statement about the kind of city Liverpool is"

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool Business Improvement District, said: "Liverpool has always been a city that celebrates the people who shape and help to define its culture, and The Vivienne was one of them.

"We are proud to support this project and what it represents, not just as a tribute to James, and all those who loved and supported James, but as a statement about the kind of city Liverpool is."

You can find out more about House of the Vivienne here.

There's more help and support via The LGBT Foundation.

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