After more than two years of touring towns and villages, Knowsley’s beloved owl and pussy-cat sculptures have now found new homes at locations across the borough.
The sculptures were originally commissioned during Knowsley’s year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture in 2022, inspired by the famous Edward Lear poem, which was penned during his time living at Knowsley Hall.
Forming a sculpture trail that spanned across every corner of Knowsley, each of the 37 owl and pussy-cat designs were completely unique and created by artists to reflect the rich history and heritage of the borough.
Additionally, there were 47 miniature owl and pussy-sculptures, designed and painted by primary schools which were returned to them for safe keeping at the end of 2022 when the trail concluded.
Throughout 2023 and 2024 the larger sculptures have toured the borough, taking up residence in Huyton Village, Prescot Shopping Centre and across Kirkby Town Centre.
Ahead of their retirement, local schools, businesses, community groups and organisations were invited to apply to give a home to the sculptures.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “Our owls and pussy-cats have travelled the length and breadth of the borough so now its time for them to sit back and put their feet up.
“It’s appropriate that these beautiful sculptures – which are souvenirs of our incredible time as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture in 2022 – should find their new homes all throughout our community.”
You can find out more about the owl and pussy-cat sculptures here: The Owl and the Pussy-Cat trail – Culture Knowsley
