Should the rich collection of artworks held at The Atkinson in Southport be sent out on display at public buildings across Sefton?
Long-serving Southport councillor Sir Ron Watson is asking for works of art from the cultural centre on Lord Street to be sent out to be put on display in a trial scheme at Birkdale Community Hub and Library, based in the Station Master’s House next to Birkdale Railway Station.
If that proves successful, he would like to see public art from the collection sent out to adorn the walls of other venues in the borough.
The Dukes Ward Conservative councillor also wants the council to appeal for volunteers to value the collection.
At the full Sefton Council meeting this Thursday, he will ask the Chairman of the Audit & Governance Committee to investigate the idea.
He will say: “Sefton owns a significant collection of artworks, most of which are stored on a permanent basis at The Atkinson.
“Whilst attempts are made to display some of the artwork in various locations the public actually have very little opportunity to view the collection.
“The Chairman will recall that Members had been advised that it is not possible to put a value on the collection for insurance purposes because it is considered that the costs involved in determining a figure by professionals would be excessive.
“The Council therefore now decides to make it known that they would welcome the involvement of anyone in the borough who could assist on a voluntary basis with at least what is known as a ‘ballpark’ figure.
“In addition, by way of a pilot scheme, the Council should approach the Trustees of the very impressive Birkdale Community Hub and Library and offer them artworks to display on their premises which hopefully will be considered as a way in which the public can enjoy and appreciate what is currently an unavailable asset.
“In the event of this proving successful the Council would then extend the scheme to other similar organisations that have public access.”
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