Replica-Lambanana (via liverpool.gov.uk)
The iconic Superlambanana is to stay in the city thanks to an agreement reached by the City Council and Japanese artist Taro Chiezo.
The agreement will see a new replica model being made by original sculptors Julian Taylor and Andrew Small which will remain in the city for the next 80 years.  And the new version will be made out of weather-proof material, unlike the Tithebarn Street version which has suffered damage by the elements.
It is expected that the current Superlambanana will be returned to Chiezo to be auctioned off.
Liverpool City Council’s has signed the contract which means the city will have its very own five meter high Superlambanana – an exact replica of the one currently situated on Tithebarn Street.
Cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon Simon said: “It is great news that the Superlambanana will now be staying in Liverpool. It has become such an iconic image associated with the city and I am sure that locals and tourists alike will flock to see it for years to come.”
“The Superlambanana played an important role in attracting thousands of visitors to the city during the culture celebrations in 2008 and it will be great to have a permanent reminder of its success.”
Artist Andrew Small said: “Taking on this project 12 years ago was an exciting technical challenge and the experience I gained working with Julian at that time has been invaluable in the development of my own public art projects.
“The popularity of the Superlambanana has taken on a life of its own and my kids are excited I’ll be working on it again after so much time!”
The sculpture was originally created for the ArtTransPennine Exhibition in 1998, part of an initiative to create a ‘corridor of art’ through the North of England. Liverpool’s contribution, designed by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo, was the Superlambanana which was unveiled to the city at the reopening of Liverpool’s branch of the famous Tate Gallery. An ironic comment on the dangers of genetic engineering, it was developed with the city specifically in mind as both the banana and lamb were once a common cargo in Liverpool’s bustling docks.
For more information about artist Andrew Small, go to www.andrewsmall.org.uk