After months of planning, preparation (and painting!) Knowsley is almost set to launch one of the highlights of its year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture – the Owl & the Pussy-Cat Sculpture Trail.
From 20 June until 4 September 2022 huge, elaborately decorated, owls and pussy-cats will be out and about across the borough for people to spot and record on a free downloadable app. Designed and decorated by artists and members of the local community the huge creatures will be popping up all over Knowsley in parks, town centres and other locations – some of which you might not expect. People are encouraged to get out and about, spot the creatures, capture their photos and record them on the app (which will be free to download once the trail launches next month).
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Communities & Neighbourhoods commented:
“I cannot wait for the Owl & The Pussy-Cat trail to launch and for the public to see these amazing sculptures for themselves. It is fair to say that each one is its own work of art and the detail and thinking behind the designs is really inspiring. From commemorating parts of Knowsley’s history and heritage to reflecting the local environment or celebrating some local ‘celebrities’ – each sculpture has its own story to tell.
I am so pleased we have been able to bring this trail to Knowsley and that people will have from June to September to find all the sculptures and pick their own favourites.
I’m sure it will be a really popular attraction and a great free activity for families across the summer holidays too.”
The trail was announced in September last year and a competition was launched for artists to submit their design ideas to decorate the 32 large owls and pussy-cat sculptures. In addition, local schools have also been working on designs for a further 50 smaller sculptures which will also be on display in Knowsley during the summer months.
The trail commemorates the fact that Edward Lear actually wrote his world-famous poem – The Owl & the Pussy-Cat – during his time living at Knowsley Hall.
The incredible sculptures have all been produced by Wild in Art who have vast experience of creating sculpture trails in locations across the globe including Sydney, Cape Town and Sao Paulo.
