Una White
| Una White | |
|---|---|
 The artwork in situ. | |
| Died | April 1997, aged 58 |
| Monuments | Illuminated lettering on Birmingham Central Library, 2007 |
| Residence | Birmingham, England |
| Occupation | |
| Known for | Ordinariness |
Una White (died April 1997,[1] aged 58) was an ordinary citizen of Birmingham, England. She achieved posthumous notability when her name was placed, in 12 feet (3.7 m) high[1][2] illuminated lettering, on Birmingham Central Library for three weeks,[1] as an art installation by Joshua Sofaer[1] part of the city's Fierce! festival.[3] The sign was illuminated from 17 May-3 June 2007[2][3]
Her name was suggested for use in the artwork, by her daughter Carol,[1][2] after a public appeal for people to nominate a friend or family member who deserved to have their name in lights.[2] Una was selected from a number of entries, by a panel which comprised advertising mogul Trevor Beattie, broadcaster Mark Lawson, celebrity agent Jonathan Shalit, fashion designer Jemima French, and This Morning presenter Alison Hammond.[3]
Sofaer said the project was "aimed at encouraging people to think about the meaning of celebrity", and that:
I wanted people to think about who they want as their role models. There might be unknown ones which are better than Posh Spice.[1]
Formerly a hairdresser,[1] White moved to the United Kingdom from Jamaica in the 1960s[1][2] and trained as a nurse[1] before working at St Margaret's (Mental) Hospital in Walsall.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Pinch, Emma (2007-05-18). "Heroic Una's name up in lights". Birmingham Post. Retrieved 2009-08-04.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Kenny, Lee (2007-05-18). "That's mum on the roof!". Birmingham Mail. Birmingham, England: 6.
- 1 2 3 "Name in Lights - Una White". Birmingham City Council. Retrieved 2009-08-04.