Liverpool sign scores football makeover

Football legends Mark Lawrenson former Liverpool FC player and Graham Stuart former Everton FC player officially unveiled a new look for the giant Liverpool sign in the heart of the city.

The new artwork that decorates the Liverpool sign, which is located at Liverpool ONE on Thomas Steers Way near to the Hilton Hotel, was designed by Liverpool-based artist Claire Pinegar, to highlight Liverpool’s famous football heritage.

The design is inspired by the patterns of vintage football kits from Liverpool FC and Everton FC as a celebration of the city’s passion for football.

Each letter of the 14.5-metre sign is wrapped in a segment from iconic football kits from the past, with bold lines, bright colours, and motifs instantly recognisable to football fans from Liverpool and beyond.

Originally unveiled in 2022 as part of a joint commission by Culture Liverpool and Liverpool ONE and designed by Liverpool-based Liz Harry, the Liverpool sign has quickly become a ‘go-to’ selfie spot for both locals and tourists, with previous artworks designs including a Eurovision Song Contest takeover last year and a Liverpool attraction inspired artwork by Liverpool artist Neil Keating the year before.

Claire, who is based in Liverpool as a 2D animator, illustrator and live-action director, said: “I moved to Liverpool three years ago and I wasn’t quite prepared for the magnitude that football holds here and what it means to the city. It really is religion! I felt it would be fun for locals and tourists alike, to clock nods to their two teams when passing the Liverpool Sign.

“I particularly love the iconic designs of the 90s shirts, with the wild patterns and often clashing colours. They’re instantly recognisable and take many of us down memory lane, so I had a lot of fun recreating these across the sign. They’re bold, playful and anything but subtle; which is exactly what I love about my new home.

“I love the concept of bringing art to street level and the masses. Iconic football shirts have as much place in culture as old masters in a gallery.”

As part of the unveiling of the sign’s new look, former Liverpool FC defender and former Everton midfielder took a trip down memory lane and donned their original kits, which are featured on the sign.

Claire McColgan CBE, Director of Culture, Liverpool City Council, said: “Commissions like this are all about giving local artists a platform to showcase their talent, and the Liverpool sign is the perfect canvas for creativity.

“During Eurovision it became a must-visit selfie-spot that was all over social media, and we expect this football-inspired design to be a huge hit with football fans and visitors alike.”

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director for Liverpool ONE, said: “The Liverpool sign is a brilliant way to bring art to everyday visits to Liverpool. Our continued collaboration with Culture Liverpool puts local talent in front of a global audience with visitors posing for pictures and people stopping to admire the fantastic designs on display.

“This year’s commission by Claire Pinegar showcases the city’s passion for football, something that is deeply woven into the fabric of our city!”

For more information about the Liverpool sign, visit: https://www.liverpool-one.com/whatson/liverpool-sign/