New mural at Prescot Shopping Centre inspired by Shakespeare unveiled

The artwork above the entrance to Prescot Shopping Centre on Eccleston Street, brings a new addition to the high street.

It is inspired by the town's fascinating links to Shakespeare and the use of birds within his works – 64 different species of birds can be found within Shakespeare’s writing.

The mural in Prescot has been unveiled (Image: Knowsley Council)

The mural was created by London-based street artist Mark Anthony (ATMstreetart) who paints endangered birds and those threatened with extinction. His wildlife murals fill walls across Europe and inspire people to take part in local regeneration efforts.

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In this mural, Mark was also inspired by Knowsley Safari and their extremely rigorous bird monitoring program. In the mural there is a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in the left foreground, along with a Coal Tit, Lesser Redpoll and Goldcrest on the right. There is also a Buzzard flying in the distance – a bird that has flourished in recent years due to greater protection and the positive effects of nature conservation.

The mural on display in Prescot (Image: Knowsley Council)

Mark said: “We need to do everything we can to protect our natural habitats, for the benefit of birds, all other wildlife, and ourselves. In the mural I have included some less common species that require different kinds of healthy woodland to flourish. These species also occasionally visit gardens where there are mature trees and lots of undergrowth. The more we can do to nurture and expand these habitats the better.”

In another connection, Edward Lear, whose work included the well-known Owl and Pussy-Cat poem and his book of nonsense poems, also began his life as an artist and illustrator of birds. Lear spent six years living at nearby Knowsley Hall painting the birds in the Earl of Derby’s menagerie.

London-based street artist Mark Anthony created the mural (Image: Knowsley Council)

This project has been delivered as part of Prescot High Street Heritage Action Zone, funded by Knowsley Council and Historic England.

• See Mark’s other work at www.atmstreetart.com and on Instagram @atmstreetart