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PAUL CURTIS CREATES A NEW MURAL OF NORTH BIRKENHEAD LEGEND , CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH
Renowned Liverpool artist , Paul Curtis , has begun work on a new mural of North Birkenhead music legend , Charlie Landsborough , who topped a vote by residents who were asked to choose a local hero that they wanted to see immortalised on the side of North Birkenhead Train Station .
The leading country and folk musician received 46 % of the vote from local residents , and beat the likes of Dixie Dean and the town ' s first female mayor , Lady Mary Ann Mercer .
Charlie Landsborough grew up in North Birkenhead and was taught at local primary school , Portland Road . Charlie is a true “ local legend ” who has inspired millions both around the world and in Birkenhead .
The competition , which was launched by Cradle to Career - a longterm initiative that aims to transform the lives of children and young people in North Birkenhead , is a celebration of the passion , talent , resilience and creativity that has come out of the North End .
Cradle to Career ’ s primary goal is to improve the quality of life for all , creating new opportunities for local children and young people , while also improving communication between the community and the organisations that assist them .
Best known for his awe-inspiring Liverpool Wings mural in Liverpool ’ s Baltic Triangle , Paul Curtis started work on the Birkenhead mural this week . It will measure 2.5m tall and 5m wide , and will aim to capture the heart and charm that Charlie Landsborough puts into his music .
Artist , Paul Curtis , said : “ Charlie makes a great subject for a portrait , he has a look of his own which will make for a more interesting piece to work on from an artist ' s perspective . I hope this mural is a success and Charlie likes the finished product , but more importantly , I hope the community likes the artwork .
“ With a portrait mural , it is more a question of selecting the appropriate photograph that is suitable for the wall space . Then it ' s all down to me to do justice to the portrait . Hopefully I can capture some of the heart and charm that Charlie puts into his songs .”
Cradle to Career , said : " We are thrilled that work is now well underway on the mural , and we are eager to see the finished product . Charlie is truly a “ local legend ” who has inspired many around Birkenhead and around the world with his music . We want to celebrate Charlie ’ s legacy and all local heroes in our wonderful North End community . Paul Curtis is an amazing artist , and we are very excited for our upcoming reveal event . It will be a great day for the area , and we really hope that the North Birkenhead community will be proud of the mural ."
Cradle to Career is supported by Wirral Council and by almost £ 3m in charitable donations from both the Steve Morgan Foundation and SHINE Trust . Managed by Right to Succeed , Cradle to Career operates from the St . James Centre and aims to significantly improve literacy standards among children in Birkenhead and provide families easy access to the support they need .
The completion of the mural was celebrated on Thursday 19th May in a special ceremony held at the St James Centre , Laird Street .
Between Monday 9th May & Wednesday 19th May , Cradle to Career asked everyone who lives or has a connection to both the North End of Birkenhead and Charlie to visit the mural and share pictures , memories and stories .
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