Knowsley’s Owl and Pussy-Cat sculpture trail came to an end this weekend and it has been one of the borough’s most popular events to date during its year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture.
The 32 large-scale elaborately decorated sculptures took centre stage at locations across Knowsley in parks, public spaces and town centres, with a further 47 smaller sculptures painted by local schools also displayed as part of the trail.
There were more than 24,500 visits to the sculptures logged on the accompanying app with almost 1,500 photos uploaded showing visitors striking a pose with the beautiful artworks. The app also tracked the number of steps people did while taking part in the trail and a whopping 787 miles (more than 175,000 steps) were recorded – that’s almost the distance from Knowsley Hall where poet Edward Lear wrote his famous poem to Lombardy in northern Italy where he spent time painting during his career.
It’s safe to say the trail truly captured the imagination of many people from the cycling group Peddle Away who took part and grabbed a few selfies along the way to the knitting group in Halewood who created Owl and Pussy-Cat themed knitted toppers for post-boxes in the area. And special mention should go to the countless children and families who visited many (if not all!) the sculptures during their weekends and summer holidays.
More than 250 designs were submitted by artists to paint the sculptures earlier this year but only 32 were selected. The artists hailed from across the UK (including some Knowsley and Liverpool City Region talent too) with some even working with the local community to complete their designs; from Andy Weston who worked with visitors to Prescot’s Elizabethan Fayre, to artist Cherie Grist who worked with children and young people in her hometown of Stockbridge Village. Each artist brought their own unique style to the project so that an array of beautiful, clever and humorous designs were displayed.
As well as people in Knowsley being able to enjoy the sculptures travellers passing through Liverpool Lime Street Station and Liverpool John Lennon Airport were also greeted by Luna, Twinkle, Foss and Lady Kitty! Not only did it bring a splash of colour to people’s journey it also spread the story of our trail to national and international visitors!
To find out more about each of the artists and the inspiration behind their designs click here.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “Since the moment we announced the Owl and Pussy-Cat sculpture trail we knew it would capture the public’s imagination.
“We were blown away by the artist submissions to decorate the sculptures which was followed by the 47 schools who put their hearts into designing their smaller creatures.
“And now we know the impact that this trail has had on our communities. People have travelled from far and wide to take part in the trail and I’ve heard so many stories of families (including their dogs!) setting out to see every sculpture on the trail and how it’s been a brilliant way to come together and explore the borough. The trail has been a real highlight of the year and I’m sure it will be something that people will remember for a very long time to come.”
But those who fell in love with the sculptures needn’t worry because once they’ve been rested and cleaned, they’ll reappear at indoor locations across the Knowsley, where they’ll be on more permanent display from December 2022. Meanwhile the smaller owls and pussy-cats will end their journey where it began and be reunited with the school who painted them. Don’t forget to follow @cultureknowsley on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and or visit www.cultureknowsley.co.uk for updates on what the owls and pussy-cats are up to.
OWL AND PUSSYCAT STATS
YOUR TOP 5 VOTED FAVOURITES
A Midsummer Night Owl
Aviary
Exotic Aviary
Ray
Maggie (St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School)
Owly Need is Love
TOP FIVE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SCULPTURES
A Midsummer Night Owl
Aviary
Owlvador Dali
Owly Need is Love
Elizabethan Fayre
