School pupil's penguin tribute to World War One
A new piece of public art dedicated to
World War One has been unveiled at Liverpool ONE. The giant penguin was designed
by Matilda Ashworth from Gateacre, who is a pupil at Woolton Primary School.
More than 70 children at the school put forward designs for the penguin, which
was originally meant to be part of the Go Penguins Winter's Trail held in the
city in 2009.
8 year old Matilda came up with the winning design, which features the penguin
in uniform from the era painted with images from the battlefield and poppies.
It has gone on display on Thomas Steers Way, next to the Hilton Hotel in
Liverpool ONE for five weeks before being moved to a permanent position next to
the children's playground on Quarry Street in Woolton Village.
Councillor Mark Norris, Woolton ward councillor, who is also assistant cabinet
member for education and children's services, said:- "When we came across
the penguin we decided we had to find a way of turning it into a piece of public
art.
The pupils at the school really embraced the idea and Matilda's design is a
wonderful tribute to the role the city played in World War One.
It will be seen by thousands of shoppers at Liverpool ONE over the next few
weeks before being moved to Woolton where it will be on permanent display."
Matilda said:- "I had the idea because at school we were learning about
World War One as it is 100 years since it started. It looks better than I
expected it to and I am really excited and happy!"
Chris Lee, Buildings Manager at Liverpool ONE, said:- "It is fantastic to
see Matilda's design for the penguin in pride of place on Thomas Steers Way. We
are delighted to host the penguin here at Liverpool ONE and are sure visitors
will enjoy the design which honours the role of the city's soldiers during World
War One so vividly."
The project has been part funded by Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH).
