Plans to refurbish Liverpool city centre's Penelope art installation are gathering pace and support. The distinctive multi-coloured orbs of the artwork, named Penelope, have towered above the area since 2002. Now, they are in need of new technology and touch-ups to bring them back to their former glory.
Artwork's history and current state
The Wolstenholme Square artwork was created by Cuban-born sculptor Jorge Pardo as part of Liverpool's Biennial in 2002. Peter Schriewersmann, the project's leader and co-chair of the Liverpool Hospitality Association, hopes the renovation will be completed in time to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Liverpool's Capital of Culture status in 2028.
Peter is also the co-owner of the Happy Days accommodation group, which offers serviced apartments, and the co-owner of Hotel Anfield, based close to Liverpool FC's famous home. Originally from Germany, Peter considers himself an 'adopted Scouser' having been in the city he loves for such a long time.
Why the installation faded
Peter told the ECHO: "The installation was glowing brightly and proudly for many years, but when the organisation behind it disintegrated, any support structure maintaining it disappeared. Over the year it started to fade away, until it was permanently switched off a couple of years ago. It has always felt a shame."
Peter started to create a working group with the public sector several years ago to look into the technicalities of the installation. After re-engaging with the local authorities and Jorge, it was determined the installation still has electricity running to it.
Revamp plans and community involvement
He said: "Some of the globes still glow at night. Some are broken and the technology is out of date, so it needs a full revamp. Over the last three to four years, the council promised to push it forward, and there is a buy-in from the council, but nothing has physically happened. We were worried we'd have to dig up the road, but the good news is the electricity to the central island is intact. So all we need is new technology and globes, a clean-up and a paint job. The plastic globes they sit in need replacing. Some will break when opened. It's not cheap, but we're not starting from scratch. We feel the council has finally committed enough energy into the project."
Peter is in talks to hopefully reinstate the development to its former glory for the 20th anniversary of the Capital of Culture. He added: "We want everyone to be involved - stakeholders, the community and residents. The reason we speak about it regularly is that otherwise things get forgotten about. You have to make a little bit of noise. We are all passionate and aligned ahead of the anniversary. We hope to have it in place to give the council encouragement."
If the project is a success, Peter claims Jorge would be happy to return to Liverpool to mark the occasion. He previously returned to the city in 2015 after he was commissioned again to help design the new-look square's street furniture - including lampposts and benches.
