The Museum of Liverpool is hosting a book of condolences to celebrate the life and legacy of James Lee Williams, widely recognised as The Vivienne, the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. This heartfelt tribute provides an opportunity for fans, friends, and admirers to leave messages of love and remembrance for a cherished figure in entertainment.
The initiative, organised in collaboration with Sahir, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ & HIV charity, aims to honour The Vivienne's profound connection to Liverpool and the impact he made through his artistry. Ant Hopkinson, CEO of Sahir, expressed the significance of this tribute, stating, “James was an extraordinary individual who brought joy, creativity, and inspiration to so many. The outpouring of positive sentiments from across the world highlights the profound impact he had.” He added that Sahir feels a responsibility to collect these messages to present them to The Vivienne’s family, acknowledging the importance of preserving such sentiments.
The book of condolences will be prominently displayed in the museum’s atrium, which is designed to offer a serene and reflective environment where visitors can share their thoughts and memories of The Vivienne. Laura Pye, director at National Museums Liverpool, remarked on the honour of hosting this tribute, stating, “The Vivienne represents a lot of what Liverpool is about. She was funny, clever and proudly stood up for what she believed in.” She conveyed the importance of unity in celebrating both James and The Vivienne’s remarkable contributions to the cultural landscape.
As the museum gathers these heartfelt messages until Sunday, 26th January, the book of condolences will serve as a lasting testament to the impact James (The Vivienne) had not only on Liverpool but also on the wider LGBTQ+ community. The Museum of Liverpool, located at Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, inviting all who were touched by The Vivienne’s artistry to pay their respects.
Source: Noah Wire Services