A stunning new mural is on display at The Floral Pavilion in New Brighton throughout the month of May.
Spirit Of The Lake is a bold and innovative new masterpiece from local artist Joe Forrest,
commissioned by The Friends Of New Brighton Marine Lake, and is being exhibited at The Floral
Pavilion until 1st June.
Spirit Of The Lake is a striking piece that pays homage to New Brighton’s Marine Lake, as it celebrates
its 90th birthday, and draws attention to the town’s rich coastal heritage. Following a grand unveiling on
1st May, the mural’s centrepiece can be viewed by the general public at The Floral Pavilion, before the
full mural is installed on The Marine Lake’s wall.
Spirit Of The Lake — created as part of the Borough of Culture celebrations — will serve as a
powerful new landmark, reinforcing The Marine Lake’s status as one of the town’s most cherished
assets. Designed to be seen from all sides when installed on the wall, the artwork is inspired by key
themes from the lake’s legacy, including environmental conservation, wildlife, mythical creatures and
water quality improvement.
The project has been co-ordinated by The Friends Of The Marine Lake — a group of local people
committed to keeping the lake clean and safe for the enjoyment of all. With a big focus on improving the
water quality and eco-system of the lake, they have joined forces with renowned local artist Joe Forrest
to create an installation that gives the lake a new identity and public perception.
After presenting their vision and work to Wirral Council at the Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure
Committee in November 2024, The Friends Of New Brighton Marine Lake were highly praised by the
Committee Members. Negotiations are ongoing with Wirral Council about a long term partnership to
improve the water quality and ecosystem.
Project Leader Tim Brundsen said: “Hundreds of people use the lake every day, whatever the weather,
gathering to chat, swim and dip together, building friendships and community, improving their mental
health and wellbeing in the process. Unfortunately, the lake’s water quality has been deteriorating, often
full of debris and rubbish, green and brackish. We are taking action to reverse this decline.”
He continued: “Thanks to Wirral Borough Of Culture funding, part-funded by Wirral Council with funding
from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we’ve been able to
create a piece of art that gives the lake a whole new identity. We hope that it will encourage
conversations and change people’s perceptions about this beautiful asset.”
Beyond its aesthetic impact, the mural will provide a significant visual uplift, brightening the lake and
its surroundings. This stunning new attraction marks a step forward in the area’s ongoing
transformation, celebrating its past while looking toward an exciting future.
Artist Joe Forrest said: “It’s an honour to have been selected to create this piece for this very special
project. We’ve decided to leave The Spirit Of The Lake nameless so that people can create their own
interpretations of her. We had a great turn out for the unveiling at The Floral Pavilion and I’m looking
forward to the full mural being installed on The Marine Lake soon.”
A stunning new mural is on display at The Floral Pavilion in New Brighton throughout the month of May.
Spirit Of The Lake is a bold and innovative new masterpiece from local artist Joe Forrest,
commissioned by The Friends Of New Brighton Marine Lake, and is being exhibited at The Floral
Pavilion until 1st June.
Spirit Of The Lake / The Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton / 1st May — 1st June 2025
For more info about Joe Forrest visit his WEBSITE
Video courtesy of Kev Quinn and Graham Bell