The Royal Liver Building, Liverpool’s most famous building, is once again using its iconic status as a venue to support not only local artists but also the LGBTQIA+ community. It will be hosting some special events during Pride.
Designed by photographer and arts producer Laura McCann and brought to life by local mosaic artist Natasha Elli, the RLB is the most recent prestigious location to feature the “Dip Into Pride Bath” arts installation.
The DIP Bath, originally conceived for Pride 2023, was intended to encourage people to immerse themselves in the spirit of equality. Since the installation arrived at the RLB, numerous people have been photographed in the bath by Laura, who recently had her work shortlisted by the National Portrait Gallery. On Monday the 22nd of July the public will be given a final opportunity to have their own photo taken at the RLB by Laura, completely free of charge.
If you would like to have your snap in the bath, Laura will be at the riverside reception of the Liver Building between 11am – 2pm on the 22nd of July. You’ll also be able to donate to the charity Sahir who Laura and the mosaic artist Natasha (aka @titsupartistliverpool) are supporting throughout this project.
In addition to the public photoshoot, people will also have a chance to create art of their own at The Royal Liver Building when local artist Tony O’Connell hosts a very special Pride life drawing class there on the 25th of July at 6.30pm.
Tony, who’s exhibited his own artwork around the country has over two decades of lecturing experience and his life classes have become a much loved staple in his home city. Tony met Laura McCann when she asked him to be part of an exhibition she curated for Pride 2023 and since then the pair have worked on various projects together. Laura, who also organised the Paul Curtis exhibition at The Royal Liver Building, thought the location was perfect for one of Tony’s arts events.
Ian Edwards, General Manager for CBRE who manages The Royal Liver Building said:
“We love hosting events that involve the public and although the building is seen as a heritage site, we want to make sure it is truly representative of Liverpool today and is a place where everyone feels welcome”.
As Laura explained:
“The Royal Liver Building are really proactive in supporting local creatives and engaging with the community. The building is steeped in history and tradition but the team who manage it are very progressive and inclusive. Given that the LCR Pride march will finish at the pier head and Pride Classical will take place there, RLB seemed the perfect location for a special Pride life class ran by Tony”.
Tony who’s recently exhibited at Kirby Gallery and is currently displaying pieces in New Mils commented:
“It’s great to be hosted in such as iconic space and important for LGBTQIA+ representation to expand. It hasn’t always been that way across the UK. We’ve made huge progress in my lifetime but there is still much work to be done, so Kudos to RLB for inviting us in to make art”.
The life class will feature renown model and performer Eve Howlett, who is also the director of Liverpool Life Drawing.
The Pride life class is happening on Thursday the 25th of July from 6.30pm and tickets are available via Eventbrite simply search “Pride life class at the liver building” Or go to the website for more information and a direct link to tickets.
