A 14ft image of John Lennon is the first of a series of murals to be
completed to celebrate Liverpool being named this year's Capital of
Culture.
The mural, along with publicity posters for the group's concerts, have
been daubed on to the gable end of a house in Litherland as part of the
Liverpool Mural Project. Images of the other Beatles have also been
painted onto a nearby wall.
The project
was launched to bring the skills and experience of mural artists from
all communities of Belfast working together and with community groups
in Liverpool.
The idea was backed by the Riverside Group, a housing regeneration
organisation which is itself celebrating its 80th birthday this year.
The group commissioned the artwork by Belfast Loyalist Mark Ervine and
Republican Danny Devenny who worked with Liverpool artists on the
Riverside-owned house at the end of Croxteth Avenue.
The project, which has been in the planning for two years, is the
brainchild of Liverpudlians Gregory Brennan and Peter Morrison of the
Liverpool Mural Project.
Film director Ken Loach and writer Jimmy McGovern have also backed the project.
Peter Morrison, of the Liverpool Mural Project, said: "This is the
first real collaboration between the leading mural artists from both
communities of Belfast and Liverpool artists. Our plan was always to
produce amazing and inspiring public art that can be enjoyed by
everyone - not just in the city centre."
Hugh Owen, director of policy and communication at The Riverside Group,
said: "The ethos behind the project is to encourage communities to work
together - which is directly in line with The Riverside Group's mission
to regenerate our communities on Merseyside and beyond.
"It's amazing the way that Mark and Danny are working together in a way
that demonstrates that once divided communities can move on and embrace
the future.
"The gable is located at a key gateway to the city, and this iconic
image will be visible to thousands coming from Liverpool to the North."
The second mural is now in the planning stages, backed by the Liverpool Culture Company.