13 December 2007
Look of the City
Seven key city centre buildings are to be dressed in stunning
artwork within weeks, it was revealed today. Buildings including
the former White House public house and the Figure Factory opposite
the city’s Three Graces are to be dressed before the start of
Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture.
The scheme, part of the ‘Look of the City’ initiative, will see the
buildings painted, dressed with wraps or drapes, or hoarded with
specially designed artwork.
Liverpool Culture Company has joined forces with the city
council, urban regeneration agency Liverpool Vision and the
Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to ensure the city
presents a spectacular face to the millions of visitors expected
over the next 18 months.
A series of linked designs that reflect all aspects of the
city’s history and cultural life were drawn up by the Culture
Company to help transform the city as it approaches 2008. The
artwork, which embraces themes such as music, art, maritime
heritage, creativity, people and sport, was designed by Liverpool
design agency Finch.
The selected buildings are:
- Williamson Square at the rear of Marks and Spencers
- The former White House pub, Kingham House and the
Scandinavian Hotel – all at the junction of Berry and Duke
Streets.
- The Futurist Building on Lime Street.
- Kingston House – formerly Figure Factory and Cooper’s
Emporium - at the corner of James Street and the Strand.
- Q Park, on Liver St., next to the police
headquarters
A design on the former White House pub by famous graffiti artist
Banksy will be preserved as part of the programme. Lines from the
Liverpool Saga – the poem started by Roger McGough and written by
the people of Liverpool – will feature on hoardings on the Futurist
Building on Lime Street. Kingham House on Berry Street, meanwhile,
will feature Chinese artwork in its makeover following consultation
with community leaders in Chinatown.
Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said Liverpool
was a city in transition so it was important to make it appear in
its best possible light.
He said: “It is really important we give out the right image to
people who come to our city during our year as Capital of Culture.
We are a city in transition and it is vital we show Liverpool in
its best light.”
Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing at the NWDA, said:
“The Northwest is one of the most culturally dynamic regions in
Europe and Capital of Culture poses an unrivalled opportunity to
raise the profile of the region on an international scale.
“It is essential that we ensure Liverpool presents the best
possible environment during its year as European Capital of
Culture. The Look of the City project will help deliver a memorable
visitor experience and leave a lasting legacy for the region.”
Kris Donaldson, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool Culture
Company, said: “We want to create a sense of theatre in the city
for visitors and local residents alike.
“We hope the artwork and designs we use excites and inspires people
about our programme of events in 2008 and about the amazing and
positive change which Liverpool is undergoing.”
Ends
For further information contact either Jon Brown on 07811 451184 or
Kieran Joglekar on 07886 215 653.