Liverpool sign scores football makeover
Mark Lawrenson, who used to play for Liverpool FC, and Graham Stuart, who used to play for Everton FC, presented the renovated Liverpool sign in the center of the city. Both of them are renowned football icons.
Liverpool ONE, situated on Thomas Steers Way near the Hilton Hotel, has recently acquired new artwork for their sign. The art was crafted by Claire Pinegar, who is based in Liverpool, and was created to showcase the city's renowned football legacy.
The style of the design takes its influence from the retro football uniforms of Liverpool FC and Everton FC, expressing appreciation for the city's love of the sport.
The 14.5-meter sign has every letter covered in a piece of vintage football kits, which sports lovers from Liverpool and other places can instantly identify with. The segments feature bright colours, bold lines, and recognizable patterns.
First introduced in 2022 as a collaborative project initiated by Culture Liverpool and Liverpool ONE, the Liverpool sign is the brainchild of Liz Harry, a local designer in Liverpool. Since its inception, the Liverpool sign has rapidly transformed into a popular spot for individuals to take selfies, both for locals and tourists alike. In prior years, the Liverpool sign has undergone various transformations, including a takeover by Eurovision Song Contest and a Liverpool attraction-inspired design crafted by artist Neil Keating the year before.
According to Claire, an illustrator, 2D animator, and live-action director, who resides in Liverpool, she wasn't fully aware of how important football is to the city when she moved there three years ago. She thinks football is like a religion for the people of Liverpool. Claire believes that including references to both local teams on the Liverpool Sign would be a great idea for both locals and tourists to enjoy.
I have a special fondness for the famous styles of shirts from the 90s that feature vibrant patterns and colors that clash with each other. These designs are easily identifiable and bring back memories for many people, so I had a great time incorporating them into the signage. They're daring, fun, and far from being understated, which is precisely what appeals to me about my new abode.
I adore the idea of making art accessible to the public and not just confined to galleries. Football shirts that have achieved iconic status can be just as significant in our culture as classic paintings in a museum.
During the reveal of the updated sign, an ex-Liverpool FC defender and an ex-Everton midfielder revisited their past by wearing the original outfits that appear on the sign.
According to the Director of Culture at Liverpool City Council, Claire McColgan CBE, opportunities such as this one aim to provide a stage for talented artists in the community. The Liverpool sign is an ideal space for showcasing creativity.
At the time of Eurovision, it became an essential location to take a selfie, which went viral on various social media platforms. We foresee this football-themed layout to be exceedingly popular among both soccer enthusiasts and tourists.
Donna Howitt, the individual in charge of the strategy for the Liverpool ONE location, expressed her satisfaction with the innovative measure of implementing the Liverpool sign. Through our partnership with Culture Liverpool, we have been able to showcase local talent on a global level. The sign has become a popular attraction, with visitors posing for pictures and appreciating the impressive designs on display. It has successfully integrated art into the everyday experiences of those who visit Liverpool.
Claire Pinegar's commission for this year highlights the city's enthusiasm for football, which is ingrained in the essence of our community!
If you want to learn more about the Liverpool sign, head over to this website: https://www.liverpool-one.com/whatson/liverpool-sign/
