‘The Spirit of The Lake’ created by local artist Joe Forrest has been unveiled at the Marine Lake in New Brighton following a seven month wait.
The project was commissioned by the Friends of New Brighton Marine Lake group, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Lake, and was funded by Wirral Council’s Borough of Culture 2024.
The group is made up of residents who aim to improve the lake’s water quality for the local community to enjoy and protect its future.
The artwork was initially displayed at The Floral Pavilion from May to June this year before the full mural was installed on the wall on November 13.
The mural is painted on nine recycled plastic boards and totals 11 meters wide and 2.4 meters tall, and is designed to create a “dynamic and ever-changing relationship” with the lake and the water.
The mural can be seen from all sides of the lake, morphing and adapting with the weather and seasons.
Joe said: “I shaped the boards into an arch to suggest the water is either emerging up from the lake, or that we might be looking through a hole in the wall to the sea beyond.
“To enhance the light reflections, I added mixed metal leaf to the creatures and coral. Variegated copper, gold, and silver flakes should – in theory – catch the light as you walk around the lake; however, I’m not sure how well that will work, you might have to swim up close to see that!
“The “Spirit” is an ethereal being formed of water and flesh with hair made of coral and sea weed.
“She is nameless – for now – our goal was not to retread New Brighton’s rich past, but instead to forge a new path, inspiring new stories and mythologies for the future.
“We hope that people will create their own narratives about her and what she represents, finding their own new relationship with the lake, the river, the water and the local community.
“She is, in part, a vision of the future, where the lake is clean and thriving.”
As part of the project Joe visited art students at Oldershaw School, to talk about the project and the history of the lake.
Students then created their own drawings and stories for the Spirit, adding to the narrative of who she is and what she represents.
Joe added: “People’s comments and the feedback so far have been lovely to hear, we’re thrilled that people are enjoying this new exciting and innovative piece of art, there are not many other permanent painted murals in water.
“This new symbol of New Brighton, the lake, the river and the sea has finally been revealed, so please go and enjoy her.”