Salford Totem Pole
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Posted by Editor on 5th July 2010 at 12:43 PM
Video: London wowed by Salford Totem Pole
by Tom Rodgers

Native Canadians celebrating their country's 143rd birthday in Trafalgar Square took quite a shine to the Salford Totem Pole.

Amid singing, dancing, music and art displays, the Cranmer family of Kevin and his nephew Edgar, along with the apprentice to pole carver Doug Cranmer, artist Bruce Alfred, started work on the restoration project and helped to explain to thousands of London tourists the significance of the totem pole in the history of Canadian culture.

"It's about knowing where you come from," said Kevin. "It's a sad day when you can't be who you are, and we're here as three Namgis warriors to show the pole to the world and to represent our people."

The two-and-a-half ton monument was delivered to central London as part of national celebrations of Canadian art and culture.

Swinton-based crane company Armquest helped to bring the pole to the nation's capital, on Thursday 1st July.

Kevin and Edgar Cranmer had already started repainting the pole and told us that they expect to be finished by 7th July.

Kevin, Edgar, and Bruce returned to Salford on Friday and are ready for the next phase of the restoration.

"We just need to install the wood and glue it into place, then we can begin recarving the pole's features," said Kevin.

He expects the repainting of the 32ft pole to be done within the next week.

The totem pole has also been shortlisted for one of the best public monuments in the country.

We'll hear on 28th July whether we've won the prize of the Marsh Award in Public Sculpture from the Public Monuments and Scupture Association.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  18th September 2010
Sweet, good job all round

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  7th July 2010
WOW, what a video

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  6th July 2010
Way to go Kevin, Bruce and Edgar. I am so proud of you all. Your talent as artists and ambassadors of our culture is wonderful. Cora

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  6th July 2010
Look upon it and weep Cockney's its a Salford totem pole and its staying here.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  6th July 2010
awwwww -- bro, you bring tears to my eyes -- i'm so proud of the amazing ambassador that you are. big hugs from your sis!

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  5th July 2010
Brilliant. Well done SOL TT

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by TomSO ( member )  5th July 2010
Cheers mate, I do try....

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  5th July 2010
Outstanding!

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