This weekend, Gillian Hughes (aka. ‘Liverpool Mermaid’) exhibit, ‘Sinking the Ship in Liverpool Bay – Mermaid’s Revenge’, was voted The People’s Prize at the 2022 Sefton Open at The Atkinson in Southport earning her a solo showing at The ArtHouse later in the month.
The Sefton Open is a long-standing annual exhibition that celebrates the breadth of creativity and artistic talent across Sefton. Each year the call for artists goes out to all practitioners who live, work or were educated in Sefton and this year’s exhibition includes ceramics, sculpture, painting, textiles and photography.
For the last two years the event was reduced to an online presence only, but for 2022 The Atkinson has reopened its doors and, seen ‘in the flesh’, the results are stunning.
The Atkinson’s longstanding partner, Southport Palette Club, always has the unenviable task of whittling down the large amount of submissions. Formed in 1921 to champion the work of local artists, 2022 is the Palette Club’s 96th annual exhibition.
Gillian is a local coastal textile artist who draws her inspiration from the myths and legends surrounding Liverpool Bay, including Southport beach.
Liverpool Bay has witnessed some of the richest human histories from the mass exodus of people leaving for new lives, as viewed from the dockland’s Ancient Wishing Gate, to more industrial times of increased wealth.
Pundits unanimously agree that Liverpool Bay is one of the most fascinating places in the world and has produced talent in its people and power in its seas.
Gillian unique artwork tries to capture this sense of historical intrigue by tangibly incorporating the dynamic elements of sea, wind and air. Using mainly sustainable items picked up from the beach on her daily walks and repurposed through the eyes of a Mermaid, Gillian’s art reflects the magic, myths and legends that provide the sheer thrill of this unique coastline and its timelessness.
‘Sinking the Ship in Liverpool Bay – Mermaid’s Revenge’, was one of three assemblies that Gillian submitted. A dark piece to reflect the emotion of those on board a sinking ship, Gillian explains its origins: “Sailors came from around the world to admire the beauty and charms of the Liverpool Mermaid. A local sailor from New Brighton was said to have fallen in love with her beauty and dreamt of marrying her. The sailor promised to give the Liverpool Mermaid the world and gave her his compass and a green ribbon on the promise that she agreed they would wed the next day. However, the sailor foolishly broke his word and after waiting and growing impatient for him to arrive, the Liverpool Mermaid sank the entire ship drowning all the men on board except the sailor who washed ashore to tell the tale”.
The moral, as Gillian reminds viewers to the exhibition is “don’t cross a scouse girl and promise what you are not prepared to give them”.
Gillian’s artworks can be viewed at The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport until Saturday 21st May (Mon-Sat 10.00-16.00). Her follow-up solo show will be at The ArtHouse, Eastbank Street, Southport 17th-28th May (Tues-Fri 10.00-15.00 & Sat 11.00-16.00)
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