A stunning new mural has been installed in New Brighton’s Marine Lake. 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 has quickly become a talking point in the seaside town.
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 at The Floral Pavilion back in May, it has now been 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 it’s so great to see the mural now installed on The Marine Lake.”
A stunning new mural has been installed in New Brighton’s Marine Lake. 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 has quickly become a talking point in the seaside town.
The Spirit Of The Lake / New Brighton’s Marine Lake
For more info about Joe Forrest visit his WEBSITE
Marine Lake image courtesy of Jan E Peddie
