Mary Seacole: A Figure of Care – Free exhibition to open at St George’s Hall

St George’s Hall Charitable Trust has announced a free public exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Mary Seacole (1805–1881), the pioneering nurse, healer, and humanitarian whose courage and compassion changed the course of medical history.

Open from 6 February until 28 February 2026, Monday to Saturday, from 9:30am to 4:30pm, the exhibition invites visitors to explore a series of maquettes created during the development of a permanent marble statue of Mary Seacole, set to become the first statue of a black woman ever installed in the Great Hall of St George’s Hall.

These early sculptural studies offer a rare glimpse into the artistic process behind a major public artwork, revealing how Liverpool plans to honour one of history’s most remarkable women.

The exhibition forms part of the Mary Seacole Statue Campaign, led by St George’s Hall Charitable Trust and fully endorsed by the Mary Seacole Trust. The campaign aims to install a permanent statue of Mary Seacole in the Great Hall, where it will stand alongside the statue of Catherine “Kitty” Wilkinson, the first monument to a historic woman placed in the Hall in 2012.

This work reflects the Trust’s ongoing commitment to increasing the visibility of women in St George’s Hall. Alongside safeguarding the building’s historic assets, including the restoration of the Minton tiles and the Willis organ, the Trust is actively pursuing new statues that celebrate the achievements of pioneering women, ensuring their stories are recognised and remembered.

The exhibition is free, open to all, and offers visitors the chance to engage with the early stages of this historic project.
All contributions to the Mary Seacole Statue Campaign, no matter the size, will help bring this important tribute to life.

More information can be found at http://www.liverpoolcityhalls.co.uk.

Claire Dove OBE, Chair of St George’s Hall Charitable Trust, said: “Our trust is proud to launch an event featuring Mary Seacole, who was voted the Greatest Black Briton in a BBC poll. Known for her work on the front line of the Crimean War, she was highly regarded by the soldiers she cared for and embodies the determination and resilience we hope to inspire in children and young people.

“The installation of a Mary Seacole statue reflects our commitment to representing women in public spaces. With this addition, SGH will become the first civic building in the country to feature statues of two women, and the first to honour a black woman. Please support us in making history by donating to help us fulfil this goal.”