This was submitted to the following:

Tenants of the building in question:
DIT Photography School / National Photographic Library / Dublin City Council / Office of Public Works /Temple Bar Properties for the erection of small but appropriate tribute to Rory Gallagher.

Proposed site:
In and around the Rory Gallagher Corner sign located on the National Photographic Library building at entrance to Meeting Square Temple Bar Dublin.

Why:
The Fender Stratocaster guitar celebrates its 50th birthday this year and Rory is one of the greatest musicians to use the Strat which he adapted and made his own, so much so theyve produced a signature tribute model which is an exact replica or his. Other legendary names associated with the Strat are Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck & Richie Blackmore, so theyre in great company!

Rory is an Irish cultural icon who had and has a huge fan base in Europe and throughout the world. I have no doubt that this piece will be a tourist attraction and a great cultural addition to the area.

Proposed piece:
Rorys Fender Strat in bronze.
We feel a guitar on its own is a more powerful cymbal of the spirit of Rory than a statue etc of him.
There will be no mention of retailers etc.

Cost:
The cost of the production & erection of the proposed piece will be paid for by Musical Instrument Merchants of Dublin and or by Fender Musical Instrument Corporation.

Security
Jim Flavin of Bronze Art Ltd who has erected many pieces around Dublin assures me that security is not an issue. The piece would be securely mounted at least 15 feet above street level

To Finish:
I attended a party in Frankfurt celebrating 50 years of the Stratocaster and spoke to the Fender Artist Liaison Manager who was more than enthusiastic about this idea as a tribute to Rory. He added that he is in touch with Rorys brother Donal and didnt foresee any problems if we are to go ahead.

Measurements and other specifications:
Overall length : 99cm Overall width : 32cm (at its widest point) Overall Depth : 5cm

NB this is a guitar shape as shown so has various dimensions and will not appear as big.
Please call me at your nearest convince to discuss this proposal in more detail.


All were helpful and enthusiastic with one exception, National Photographic Library, who replied to the OPW acting on my behalf with the following.

they are totally opposed to the idea as they feel it would adversely impact on the identity of the Archive

I consider this an insult to Rory, his contribution to Irish music and culture at home and all over the world, to his fans and to musicians in general. If you feel the same please sign this petition.

Thanks

Mark Walsh
mark@musicmaker.ie