Art student's murals showcase city's 'rich heritage'

Paul Burnell
BBC News, Liverpool
LJMU Mural showing Liverpool Metropolitan CathedralLJMU
The art installation is 5ft (1.5m) high

A series of new murals created by a fine art student have been unveiled on the top floor of a Liverpool car park to pay homage to the city's "rich heritage".

Alicia Woolley, of Liverpool John Moores University, made the new art installation on the top floor of St Johns Shopping Centre.

The work is described as "a powerful celebration of Liverpool's rich cultural heritage, immortalising icons and landmarks through bold, bright digital collages".

The final year student said: "This city has such a powerful identity with its music, its humour and its people. I hope these images encourage people to stop, look up, and feel a little more joy in their day."

LJMU Car park with mural showing Liverpool skyscapeLJMU
The artwork encapsulates an area roughly the size of a tennis court

Work began in March on the murals, which include figures such as The Beatles, Cilla Black and double world champion heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, as well as the colours of Liverpool and Everton football clubs.

The city's architectural gems - the Three Graces, chinatown, St Johns Beacon, The Metropolitan Cathedral and Royal Albert Dock - also take pride of place in the designs.

LJMU Mural depicting Cilla BlackLJMU
The theme of music features heavily in the murals, including these images of Cilla Black

A special unveiling event took place attended by the artist's family and friends and more than 60 invited guests, including the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Richard Kemp CBE.

The 5ft (1.5m) high mural span 475ft (145m) of wall, encapsulating an area about the same size as a tennis court.

LJMU Alicia Woolley has a white cardigan and long brown curly hair in ringletLJMU
Alicia Woolley said she wanted to capture Liverpool's powerful identity

Originally from Altrincham, Greater Manchester, Ms Woolley was awarded a Discovery Internship through the university.

The scheme aims to enhance students' employability skills and to gain career insight by working with local organisations in the Liverpool City Region.

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