The departure of Al Holmes and Al Taylor from the Haigh Hall project has sparked controversy and public debate.
- Renowned creative directors, Al and Al, expressed surprise over the non-renewal of their contract with Wigan council.
- A substantial social media backlash ensued, with public support for the pair and calls for their reinstatement.
- The loss of confidence from Theodore Major’s family has added to the challenges faced by the Haigh Hall renovation.
- Wigan council remains committed to the project, emphasising a team-driven approach toward its completion.
In a surprising development, Al Holmes and Al Taylor, the well-regarded creative directors known collectively as Al and Al, have found themselves at the centre of a dispute following their abrupt exit from the Haigh Hall regeneration scheme. The duo, who were integral to the restoration of the Grade II-listed building since 2021, were informed by Wigan council’s decision not to renew their contract, a move that has left them ‘astonished and shocked.’
This decision has reverberated through social media, with the public voicing strong displeasure and a petition circulating to support their return. A post on the Friends of Haigh Hall Heritage and Open Access For All Facebook page highlighted community discontent, noting the influx of messages filled with frustration and disbelief at the project’s halfway point.
Further complicating matters, the family of Wigan-born artist Theodore Major have withdrawn their participation, citing a lack of confidence in the council’s management. Ruth Owers, Major’s granddaughter, communicated their decision to Peter Hughes, expressing her dissatisfaction with how the council has handled the project.
Responding to these events, a Wigan council spokesperson expressed regret over the public comments made by Al and Al, suggesting the statements contained inaccuracies. The council acknowledged Al and Al’s impactful artistic contributions but stressed their role as part of a larger team committed to the project’s success.
Al and Al, in their departure statement, articulated their dismay, citing an absence of clear reasoning behind the council’s choice and attributing it to ‘political pressure’ and ‘political concerns.’ They had envisaged Haigh Hall as a cultural landmark and had engaged with local and international stakeholders to bring this vision to life.
Financial backing for the project includes significant contributions from the Arts Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and others, totalling £20 million. Despite this setback, the council remains optimistic about the project’s future, stressing that it will advance into the next phase of development without delay.
The Haigh Hall project’s future hangs in the balance, with both community sentiments and creative visions at a crossroads.
