A DRAMATIC new mural has been revealed in Prescot town centre with an unexpected nautical theme.
'Sailing through Time' is an original design and piece of art created by Paul Curtis, a street and mural artist.
The vibrant mural is located in the heart of Prescot’s Conservation area and the artwork itself is inspired by the town's rich heritage and fascinating history.
Standing 250 feet above sea level, the present tower and spire at Prescot Parish Church rise to 150 feet and is a local landmark.
The nautical-themed mural (Image: Knowsley Council)
The church and its spire were observed by ships in the Mersey estuary and used for navigation over many centuries.
The clock is representative of Prescot’s watch and clock making history with the waves. And the starry sky is inspired by waves shown on the Palatine pocket watch, a pocket watch that was manufactured in Prescot.
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From the mid-18th to the mid-19th century Prescot was the most important centre in Europe for the production of clock and watch parts and tools and was home to the Lancashire Watch Company.
A side-shot of the mural (Image: Knowsley Council)
Ships, sea voyages and references to time often feature within Shakespeare’s plays including The Tempest and Twelfth Night, both plays that have been performed at the nearby Shakespeare North Playhouse.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods said: “This is a stunning piece of artwork!
"The scale of it is impressive and the many references to Prescot’s history and the importance of the town over many centuries make it really special.
“Over recent years, Prescot has become a thriving destination for residents and visitors, and we hope that this mural will be enjoyed by all of those visitors for many years to come.”
Artist Paul Curtis in front of the mural (Image: Knowsley Council)
The mural is located on the end gable of 12 Church Street, opposite Prescot Parish Church.
The shopfront improvements to 12 Church Street were carried out as part of the Prescot Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme, funded by Knowsley Council and Historic England.
It joins the recently completed bird inspired mural which can be found at the entrance to Prescot Shopping Centre.
Paul Curtis has created more than 200 public pieces in locations across the UK and in 2020, he was named Merseyside’s Artist of the Year.
Cllr Tony Brennan, artist Paul Curtis, Cllr Graham Morgan and Cllr Shelley Powell in front of the mural (Image: Knowsley Council)
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