Artist creates quirky map of Liverpool

A London artist has put his own spin on Liverpool's memorable history by creating a quirky map of the city.

Stephen Walter's map titled 'Liverpool' has combined his own personal insights from trips to the city with in-depth knowledge from locals to create a unique map of the region that has not been seen before.

The complex map is being displayed at Southport's four star Ramada Plaza Hotel and depicts landmark city sights like Lime Street Station and Anfield, at the same time tapping into unique points of interest including Beatles legend Paul McCartney's old house and the former school of Cherie Blair.

Geographically accurate, the 112cm x 114cm map is on show to the public in the lobby of the 133 room hotel on Marine Lake and meticulously details many of Liverpool's main roads, railway lines, built up areas, monuments and green spaces.

Mr Walter has also painstakingly recorded a number of memorable viewpoints of the city to create a warts and all tour, that exhibits intricate details of the city's history.

Highlights include the expulsion of late author Beryl Bainbridge from Liverpool's Merchant Taylor's Girls' School for writing a poem about sex.

The artist explained how he was up for the challenge of mapping the city after sketching his home city of London in a piece of work published by TAG Fine Arts, an organisation which represents emerging and established artists from the country's leading art colleges.

He said: "I originally intended a short, five-day visit to Liverpool, planning to combine and juxtapose factual research with the knowledge and opinions of locals.

"Things didn't quite go to plan, as I ended up falling in love with a woman I met there and made numerous other friendships.

"I was overwhelmed by the pride and energy with which Liverpudlians talk and feel about their city.

"So my map was far larger and more detailed than I’d originally planned, including the quirks, idiosyncrasies, stereotypes, places of interest and etymology of place names I came across. It is a celebration of the masonry and heart of Liverpool."

And Nigel Atkinson from the Ramada Plaza said they were over the moon with the piece of art.

He said: "We are delighted to play host to Stephen’s artwork, which really captures the spirit of Liverpool. It’s certainly a talking point for our guests and visitors and it is a great addition to our hotel."

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