Murals unveiled in New Brighton to celebrate heritage and creativity
New Brighton’s reputation as a hub of creativity has been strengthened with the unveiling of two new eye-catching murals that celebrate the town’s maritime heritage and the power of community collaboration.
Spirit of the Lake, created by local artist Joe Forrest, now adorns the interior wall of New Brighton’s Marine Lake. Commissioned by the Friends of Marine Lake and developed with young people and volunteers, the mural marks the lake’s 90th anniversary and reflects its ever-changing character - from wild and powerful to calm and serene. Inspired by themes of environmental conservation, wildlife, and coastal heritage, the artwork transforms the lake into a dynamic visual experience that interacts with the movement of the water.
The project was part-funded through Wirral Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, to help create a lasting legacy of the Borough of Culture programme and reinforcing the Marine Lake’s role as one of New Brighton’s most cherished cultural spaces. The installation of the mural has also been supported by the Tri4Life team and local community groups.
Just a short walk away, the Captain Mike Lowe mural has been inaugurated at the Master Mariner Bar and Grill. Commissioned by New Brighton Creative Futures CIC and painted by local artist BREZAUX, the mural honours the youngest ever Mersey Ferry captain, now 92, whose story embodies the pride and perseverance of generations who worked on the river. A commemorative plaque featuring a QR code unlocks a digital archive, including an exclusive filmed interview with Captain Lowe, offering visitors a unique insight into his extraordinary life.
Creation of the mural was part-funded by a grant from Wirral Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – which has been awarded to expand on New Brighton’s open-air gallery, creating new pieces under the theme of local heroes. Other funding partners include Cammell Laird, The Guide Liverpool, The Floating Grace and donations from the local community.
Both murals were celebrated in an inauguration in New Brighton today, highlighting the growing momentum of New Brighton’s open-air gallery and mural trail and the creativity and passion of local people.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said:
New Brighton is bursting with creativity and community spirit. The Spirit of the Lake and Captain Lowe murals are more than art - they’re a celebration of our maritime heritage and the incredible people who make this town so special.
Projects like these show the power of local pride and collaboration, and they remind us why investing in culture matters. Supporting local community projects like this is an investment in the town’s future, and the growth of the open air gallery is a testament to the hard work of so many local independent creatives and businesses.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business and Investment, Cllr Mike Wharton, said:
New Brighton today is a vibrant and exciting place, attracting visitors and locals alike to its many interesting independent businesses. The open-air gallery and mural trail plays a key role in celebrating the history of the place and its unique community spirit and I’m very proud that we were able to support these two new art works.
From the Marine Lake to the Master Mariner, these new artworks invite residents and visitors alike to explore New Brighton’s unique character and discover the stories that shape its identity.
Find out more:
(20+) Friends of New Brighton Marine Lake | Facebook
Joe Forrest Fine Artist | Commercial Artist, Murals, Pet Portraits | Wirral, UK
[NB] Creative Futures CIC | Join the Creative Movement Today
BREZAUX (@brezaux_) • Instagram photos and videos
