The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page

The money that was raised for the statue will be put towards creating a lasting memorial for Joseph in his hometown of Leicester & then to a charity.

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

We would love to hear any suggestions you might have - this is a great new phase in our project to give Joseph some kind of personal memorial to him in his home town....
If you would like to see the Tower Hamlets project, please click on this link https://t.co/Pj2DoJXXbq

[Joanne Vigor-Mungovin @mungotalks]

To all the supporters of @StatueAppeal hello! I am keeping the page open so we can all discuss what type of memorial we would like for Joseph in Leicester. I think we should have something that everyone can visit and pay their respects. A few days ago, as you are all aware, I announced the statue project is no more. However, I am currently in talks with the @civicsociety Leicester Civic Society to see if they can be of any assistance. I made a promise that I would use the money for an alternative memorial and donate the rest to a charity, which would mean something to Joseph.
The GOFUNDME page is now closed, but Jo Mungovin has stated that she will still donate all proceeds from the sales of her book to a memorial and to the chosen charity and Tower Hamlets project.
I few people have mentioned some alternatives, such as:

* Street named after him
* Building
* memorial plaque.
* bench
* East Midlands Airport
* Trian Station

So I am putting this out there. This is a fantastic opportunity to see Joseph Merrick finally recognised in his home town of Leicester.

I also mentioned a project that is going a head in Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel in London, called 'Joseph's Garden'. This past weekend, I had the chance to visit the site. The old Royal London Hospital is visible from the site, as well as the back of the shop where Joseph lived and worked with Tom Norman. It's a very special place. I have put up the link so you can read a little more about the project. I will also upload my pictures.

Will keep you all updated.....
Thank you again for your support and kind words.
https://t.co/lYwQVyjEsz

[Joanne Vigor-Mungovin @mungotalks]

Just got home after an amazing weekend in #Nottingham. Went to see 'The Real and Imagined History of The Elephant Man' @NottmPlayhouse.
It is not the typical play about #JosephMerrick that one would expect. This is unique. Many people will have different interpretations of this play, but to me, it was Joseph explaining how he felt, through his eyes, thoughts and feelings. He is trying to show the audience what was going on in his mind, and how he felt about the events unfolding around him, not how Treves saw him & not how Hollywood portrayed his life in the 1980's film. This play is so incredibly moving, it has great depth, empathy and passion. Thank you to the wonderful cast @zakfordwilliams @AnnabelleLDavis @danekaetchells @NadiaNadarajah @kigatho & Tim Pritchett - you all made me and Elaine feel so welcome. And thank you to your mum in law @WarwickADavis, she was lovely. @BBCNottingham @nottslive @AdamWoodHistory https://t.co/kIcsIy8pZ7

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

Maybe @CurveLeicester @thelittleleics @Leicester_HT could think about putting on the play of #Leicester own Joseph Merrick. @LuckyDogTP at The Guildhall was a sell out.

[Nottingham Playhouse @NottmPlayhouse]

ICYMI, a glimpse into The Real & Imagined History of the Elephant Man rehearsals.

Joseph Merrick, born in Leicester, was just 27 when he died. This play lets Joseph tell his own story as a man, not as his medical records or the film.
📷 @brennerphotos

https://t.co/r5x6SttTXv

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

It's a real shame that this play is not premiered in Joseph's hometown of #Leicester. But it looks great, Joseph's story should be told.

[Nottingham Playhouse @NottmPlayhouse]

Our Joseph Merrick, @zakfordwilliams, spoke to @andywofficial about our exciting new production of The Real And Imagined History Of The Elephant Man.

📻 Listen here, from 14.17

https://t.co/YZEWAV21Mv

[Joanne Vigor-Mungovin @mungotalks]

#OTD 24 August 1930, Tom Norman ‘Silver King’ passed away in #Croydon. Tom Norman was depicted as 'Bytes' the evil showman in the David Lynch 1980's film #TheElephantMan. But nothing was further then the truth. With a career spanning over 60 years, he was well regarded and respected in the Showman’s Circuit. The following tribute to Tom Norman was published in theWorld’s Fair newspaper:
“There are very few showmen who have not met the famous showman’s auctioneer, “The Silver King”. He has been a conspicuous and charismatic figure in our business for the past half a century and has conducted more showman’s sales than any other auctioneer in the country. During his fifty years with us, he has endeared himself to all sections from the humblest to the highest. He was a charming personality with a commanding appearance that left a lifetime impression upon anyone that he met. All his life he has been a showman and as such he died.”

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

Thank goodness for the kind-hearted/educated/non-discrimination community exists in Tower Hamlets, #Whitechapel. @FaceEquality @LoveDisfigure @TowerHamletsNow

https://t.co/Pj2DoJXXbq

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

This is another reason why the statue is not going ahead in Leicester. People's narrow minded and uneducated ideas of Joseph and his life.
Leicester Mercury 5 August 2023.
Printed on the anniversary of Joseph's 161st Birthday.

@BBCLeicester @bbcemt @leicslive

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

This is another reason why the statue is not going ahead in Leicester. People's narrow minded and uneducated ideas of Joseph and his life.
Leicester Mercury 5 August 2023.
Printed on the anniversary of Joseph's 161st Birthday.

@BBCLeicester @bbcemt @leicslive

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

Absolutely in the wrong place.. who is going to walk at the back of an NCP car park???. @CityMayorLeic @leicslive @BBCLeicester .... is Joseph being hidden again?.. @mungotalks is right, should have been on what's left of Lee Street & corner of Bedford Str..

[Joanne Vigor-Mungovin @mungotalks]

New heritage panel in #Leicester.
#JosephMerrick #TheElephantMan..
In my humble opinion it is in the wrong place. It has been erected at the back of Lee Street behind the NCP car park. Is it hidden away?. Should have been on the corner of what's left of the original Lee Street & Bedford Street.
Still, it's a great read and informative.

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

Happy Birthday to Joseph Merrick. Looking forward to this production at #LeicesterGuildhall tonight.
@LuckyDogTP @BBCLeicester @leicslive @LeicsMuseums @CityMayorLeic @FaceEquality @Adam_Pearson @DMUHistory

[Joanne Vigor-Mungovin @mungotalks]

#OTD 5 August 1862 - Joseph Carey Merrick - otherwise known by his stage name '#TheElephantMan' - was born at 50 Lee Street in #Leicester.
On the 161st anniversary of Joseph Merrick's birth, @LuckyDogTP Lucky Dog Theatre Productions will present 'Mr Merrick, the Elephant Man' at The Guildhall in Leicester.
Lucky Dog are performing their East End Trilogy at #LeicesterGuildhall this weekend.
MR MERRICK, THE ELEPHANT MAN on Saturday 5th at 7:30pm, JACK THE RIPPER: FACTS, NO FICTION on Sunday 6th at 1pm and BETHNAL GREEN on Sunday 6th at 3pm.
Tickets are available on the door or by calling 0116 253 2569.
Better still, you can order them online by finding the performance you want at the link below.
https://t.co/ID8LOpkn1R
@BBCLeicester @leicslive @LeicsMuseums @whatsoninleics @WhatsOnLeics @FoxBooksLtd

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

Play at The Guildhall #Leicester.
Not very often you see a production of #TheElephantMan in his hometown and on his 161st Birthday. 5 Aug 1862 - 11 April 1890.
@BBCLeicester @leicslive @LeicsMuseums @leicslibraries @LEICSVCHT @CityMayorLeic @whatsoninleics @FaceEquality

[Joanne Vigor-Mungovin @mungotalks]

This Saturday - 5 August 2023- the 161st Birthday of Joseph Carey Merrick, The Guildhall in #Leicester will be hosting - 'Lucky Dog Theatre Productions presents.. MR MERRICK, THE ELEPHANT MAN'.
Joseph Merrick (better known as The Elephant Man) is possibly the most famous 'freak' in history. He was, of course, born and grew up in Leicester. Many stage plays and the popular film have told a romantic and often fictional account of his story. 'Mr Merrick, #TheElephantMan' is the first play to only deal with the known facts about Merrick's final years in The London Hospital, #Whitechapel and his complicated relationship with his doctor, Frederick Treves. With a cast of just two, the use of interactive video projections and a soundtrack consisting entirely of actual Victorian recordings, Lucky Dog Theatre Productions revive their popular show at Leicester Guildhall, on the exact date of his birth in 1862. Painstakingly researched and written with the support of Merrick historians, expect to be enlightened and moved by the stirring true story of 'the most remarkable man ever to draw the breath of life'. Promotional video at: https://t.co/2a0CJB2Lp5…
https://t.co/rWaEWWG2sZ…

Running time approx. 1hr

£10

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

If you want to know more about Joseph, make sure to get your tickets now!

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

As I promised, here are more photographs of 'Joseph's Garden'.
As you can see, it is very close to Tom Norman's shop and the old London Hospital.
@BHAandM @QMULBartsTheLon @FaceEquality @TowerHamletsNow @LoveDisfigure @towerhamletnews
https://t.co/Pj2DoJXXbq

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

After a long and stressful week explaining a decision.... I am looking forward to this...
https://t.co/3f3WMW1mcZ…

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

@DeeperMoviesTV @mungotalks No there will not be. Read Jo's statement on her webpage. It's a shame,, but Whitechapel will be a new fabulous location.

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

Tis sad news, but there is a project in Whitechapel underway to remember Joseph Merrick. Author @mungotalks is now involved. Click on https://t.co/Pj2DoJXXbq to see more information.
We thank you for all your support. Please click link on original post for our statement.

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

We are sad to announce that a statue of Joseph Merrick will not be erected in his hometown of Leicester.
@mungotalks
has written a statement on behalf of us on the following link https://t.co/O1bWlBDN5z
Leicester has lost this opportunity.

@BBCLeicester
@leicslive
@CityMayorLeic

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

@iamTongueNCheek @mungotalks @BBCLeicester @leicslive @CityMayorLeic Thank you x

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

We are sad to announce that a statue of Joseph Merrick will not be erected in his hometown of Leicester.
@mungotalks
has written a statement on behalf of us on the following link https://t.co/O1bWlBDN5z
Leicester has lost this opportunity.

@BBCLeicester
@leicslive
@CityMayorLeic

[The Joseph Carey Merrick Memorial page @StatueAppeal]

https://t.co/D0lxOpUeSI

[Joanne Vigor-Mungovin @mungotalks]

#OTD 7 May 1860, Tom Norman was born in #Dallington #EastSussex.
In 1884, he took over the management of Joseph Merrick, otherwise known as the 'Elephant Man', and exhibited him for a few weeks until police closed down the show. @zakfordwilliams @NottmPlayhouse #Whitechapel