Fans will be able to leave messages for the 32-year-old star at the Museum of Liverpool for a limited time
The Vivienne, James Lee Williams, at the Empire State Building(Image: John Lamparski/Getty Images)
A book of condolences celebrating the life and legacy of The Vivienne has been opened at the Museum of Liverpool. The book opens to the public today, Tuesday, January 14, and fans, friends, and admirers will be able to leave their heartfelt messages of love and remembrance.
The death of The Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, was confirmed by their publicist, Simon Jones. In an emotional Instagram post, Simon detailed how the 32-year-old TV personality was more than just a client to him but a cherished friend.
Since the news broke on Sunday, January 5, tributes have been pouring in from all over the world and no more so than from Liverpool – the city where The Vivienne made a name for herself before being catapulted to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
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Now, in collaboration with Sahir House, The Vivienne’s “remarkable career and vibrant personality” is being remembered with a “fitting tribute to his extraordinary contributions to both the arts and the city’s cultural fabric”.
Ant Hopkinson, CEO of Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, said: “James was an extraordinary individual who brought joy, creativity, and inspiration to so many. The outpouring of positive sentiments from across the world highlights his profound impact.
“At Sahir, we felt it was only fitting to provide a way for people to leave lasting messages of love and remembrance, which we will present to his family. We’re grateful to our colleagues at National Museum Liverpool for making this possible.”
Green balloons are released at the Vigil for The Vivienne(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“The Museum of Liverpool invites all who were touched by James’s artistry and spirit to come and pay their respects. The book of condolences will be displayed in the museum’s atrium, offering a serene and reflective space for visitors to share their thoughts, memories, and condolences.”
Located at the Pier Head, Waterfront, visitors are welcome to sign the book until Sunday, January 26 with the messages “serving as a lasting tribute”.
Laura Pye, director at National Museums Liverpool, said: “We are honoured to host a book of condolence for James Lee Williams, also known as drag superstar The Vivienne, at the Museum of Liverpool.
“The Vivienne represents a lot of what Liverpool is about. She was funny, clever and proudly stood up for what she believed in. James and their wonderful alter ego will be greatly missed, and we would welcome everyone to share their feelings, come together in unity and celebrate James and The Vivienne’s life and legacy.”