Hundreds of school children across Knowsley were surprised by some special visitors this week, as 47 owls and pussy-cats were delivered to schools across the Borough.
It is all part of Knowsley’s Owl & Pussy-Cat project, that celebrates the world famous poem, that was actually written in Knowsley by Edward Lear. During the summer months 32, 8-foot-high owls and pussy-cats will feature in a borough wide trail and in addition a number of smaller versions of the sculptures have also been created and nearly 50 Knowsley schools have signed up to give the animals a home.
Today, they took delivery of their very own owls and pussy-cats to decorate and display – with some even being hand delivered by Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Members.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of the Council was on hand to help out, making a special delivery to Malvern Primary School in Huyton, he said:
“We are so excited to see our Owl & Pussy-Cat trail come to life later on in the year and what better way for our young people to get involved than to have their very own mini versions of this amazing creatures to decorate and enjoy. To see the kids’ reactions today was a real treat and it certainly brought smiles to the faces of everyone involved.
“It is wonderful to think that this world-famous poem was actually written in Knowsley and that a whole new generation and young people will be able to celebrate this during our year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture.”
Tony James, Headteacher from Malvern Primary School added:
“The children are so excited to be involved in this project and can’t wait to get started decorating. They have got lots of great ideas and it’s something that has really got the whole school community talking! How great is it that such a famous poem was written here in Knowsley and that we all get to celebrate that fact in such a fun and creative way.”
The sculptures have all been created by Wild in Art who are working with Knowsley Council on this exciting project.
The children will now work on their own unique designs for the mini sculptures which will be decorated over the coming months.
Take a look at the sculptures being delivered – https://www.flickr.com/photos/knowsleycouncil/albums/72177720297099923
Cllr Morgan added:
“Each school will be doing something different with their sculptures and I can’t wait to see the end results! I am sure we will be bowled over by the creativity of our children and young people and the wonderful and unique ideas that they come up with.”
The Owl & the Pussy-Cat sculpture trail and schools project is all part of Knowsley’s celebrations as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture in 2022. A list of the schools taking part is available here.
For more information on Knowsley’s year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture follow @cultureknowsley on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and visit www.cultureknowsley.co.uk
Borough of Culture
The Borough of Culture title was introduced by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. It is awarded annually on a rotational basis to one of the six local authorities that make up the Liverpool City Region.
The Borough of Culture is part of the 1% for Culture initiative which commits at least 1% of the Liverpool City Region’s annual gain share (£300k) to cultural projects/activities. Established as an annual award rotating around the boroughs, the Borough of Culture helps to celebrate, amplify and strengthen the existing cultural offer, develop new ideas and initiatives that will underpin future development and legacy.
Liverpool City Region is the first Combined Authority to have control over culture in its devolution deal, utilising many of the region’s existing assets and talent to stimulate cultural and creative opportunities.
The Borough of Culture was first launched in St Helens in 2018, followed by Wirral 2019, Sefton 2020, Halton in 2021 and is currently held by Knowsley for 2022. The programme rotation will recommence in 2023 back in St Helens.
