A new mural on Liverpool’s waterfront has been unveiled, celebrating the city’s sporting, artistic, comedic and dramatic talent. Created by artist Joseph Venning, the mural at ACC Liverpool is designed to highlight the figures from different eras who have defined the city’s cultural life. The mural has been funded by Liverpool BID Company’s Art & Culture Fund and has been developed by ACC Liverpool and dot-art.
Stretching over 40 metres long, and two metres high, the mural can be seen by visitors as they arrive at ACC Liverpool, next to the Pullman Hotel and Exhibition Centre Liverpool. With a design inspired by Sir Peter Blake’s eye-catching collage style, evoking his iconic Sergeant Pepper album sleeve, the mural depicts a wide range of cultural figures, from George Stubbs to Holly Johnson.
The artwork is divided into five key themes; music, sport, comedy, drama, and visual art. Figures from each field are depicted in the artworks. The first section depicts Liverpool’s rich music history, celebrating the faces of well known artists like Sir Paul McCartney to The Las and Spice Girl Mel C. Famous venues like Eric’s and nation are also included. The comedy section is a nod to Liverpool’s famous sense of humour, with the late Paul O’Grady’s iconic Lily Savage depicted alongside Sir Ken Dodd and John Bishop. The visual art collection includes Little Girl Giant, Sir Antony Gormley’s Another Place at Crosby Beach, George Stubbs and Sir Peter Blake’s Dazzle Ferry. The Drama section references Liverpool’s theatres and stage talent, including Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer, Kim Cattrell alongside the city’s literary greats including Frank Cottrell Boyce and Beryl Bainbridge. Sports covers talents from Beth Tweddle to Katarina Johnson-Thompson to boxing legends Natasha Jonas and John Conteh.
dot-art Artist Member Joe Venning explains: “The idea of this design was to create a wall that is a celebration of Liverpudlians. It highlights diverse achievements in various fields, to both visitors to the city and locals alike; hopefully inspiring them to think ‘If they can do it, so can I”. Highlights of the painting process include being tapped on the shoulder by Natasha Jonas to thank me for including her, and discovering, courtesy of Lady Anne Dodd, that I had placed Ken Dodd between one of his key influences, Arthur Askey, and Paul O’Grady, who credits Ken as one of his heroes!”
Liverpool BID Company added: “We are delighted to be able to support this incredible work. It is a fitting tribute to the cultural talent that has put Liverpool on the map and makes life here as rich, warm and entertaining as it is. This is such a vibrant project that really fulfils the missions of our Arts & Culture Fund, helping to attract visitors and provide a point of interest on the waterfront”.
Limited edition prints of the mural will soon be available to buy on the artists portfolio page.
