Art imitating the pool of life
Famous artists 'come together' for Liverpool Love and Claire House
The Museum of Liverpool is set to host a unique exhibition of works, displayed together for the first time, by international leading and emerging artists.
Liverpool Love, a collection of 29 pieces curated by Merseyside-born artist Christian Furr, will open in the Museum later this year from 28 September to 25 November 2012.
Conceived by Christian Furr and Vaughan Davies, Liverpool Love aims to bring together a contemporary collection of works by artists that symbolise their love and connection to Liverpool and its people.
The exhibition's main priority is to raise money for local charity Claire House Children's Hospice, which provides respite and end-of-life care for children and young adults with serious medical conditions, as well as support and friendship for the whole family.
Christian Furr said:
"Unlike any normal exhibition, when Liverpool Love closes the works won't be delivered back to the artists' galleries and studios. We will be staging a much more fitting end to the exhibition, with a Gala Auction of all the works on display, which will see Liverpool Love helping Claire House."
"We will be hosting the event on 17 November in order to raise funds for Claire House by auctioning off all the pieces in the exhibition, so people will be able to get their hands on some prized artwork and give to a very special cause at the same time."
Works by 23 artists are confirmed to feature in the exhibition including Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Blake, Noel Fielding and The Beatles' original bass guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe. All the pieces displayed have drawn inspiration from the city, depicting Liverpool's fun, spirit, vivacity and soul in many different ways.
Joining their works will be special pieces by three brothers who are all affected by the same genetic disorder, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Twins Dan and Sam, 17, and their younger brother Tom, 14, have been visiting Claire House for the past 10 years, where staff give them and their family invaluable support and help them cope with their condition.
Claire House Northern Area Fundraising Manager, Helen Carlson said:
"Liverpool Love is an inspirational collaboration that Claire House is proud and honoured to be associated with. The exhibition truly captures the spirit of Liverpool and the very fact it's raising money for our local children is again symbolic of Liverpool and its big heart."
"Attending the exhibition is a must. Please do look out for the pieces from Sam, Dan and Tom Lloyd. We think you'll agree that the esteemed artists exhibiting are in good company!"
The city's personality will be captured in the exhibition by artists who are eager to support the charity, displaying their works in the world’s first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city.
Jane Duffy, Acting Director of the Museum of Liverpool said:
"Part of this exhibition will be displayed in the Skylight Gallery, a space we use for exhibitions which we feel represent people's own views and interpretations of Liverpool."
"Liverpool Love is perfect in demonstrating this philosophy, giving artists who feel a connection with the city an opportunity to display their works in a museum that symbolises everything Liverpool is about, and raise money for our charity partner Claire House. We're really looking forward to seeing the variety of works on display, and the Gala Auction at the end of it all."
For more information on Liverpool Love, please visit www.liverpoollove.org or www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol
Notes for editors
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool has received generous support from several major funders, along with grants from trusts and foundations, corporate support and individual donations. Major funders include the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS)
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) was responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England’s Northwest and had five key priorities: Business, Skills and Education, People and Jobs, Infrastructure and Quality of Life.
The European Development Fund (ERDF) is making a real difference to people and businesses in the North West. With €755 million to invest between 2007 and 2013, ERDF is enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s economy by supporting growth in enterprise and employment. ERDF in the North West is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government – for further information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf.
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 30,000 projects allocating £4.5billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
About National Museums Liverpool
National Museums Liverpool comprises eight venues. Our collections are among the most important and varied in Europe and contain everything from Impressionist paintings and rare beetles to a lifejacket from the Titanic. We attract more than 3 million visitors every year. Our venues are the Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, the Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, UK Border Agency National Museum, Sudley House and the Lady Lever Art Gallery.
Please contact: Lucy Cattell in the press office for more information on this release.