Go penguins

A new piece of public art dedicated to World War One has been unveiled at Liverpool ONE.

The giant penguin was designed by Matilda Ashworth from Gateacre, who is a pupil at Woolton Primary School.
More than 70 children at the school put forward designs for the penguin, which was originally meant to be part of the Go Penguins Winter’s Trail held in the city in 2009.

Eight-year-old Matilda came up with the winning design, which features the penguin in uniform from the era painted with images from the battlefield and poppies.

It has gone on display on Thomas Steers Way, next to the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool ONE for five weeks before being moved to a permanent position next to the children’s playground on Quarry Street in Woolton Village.

Councillor Mark Norris, assistant cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “When we came across the penguin we decided we had to find a way of turning it into a piece of public art.

“The pupils at the school really embraced the idea and Matilda’s design is a wonderful tribute to the role the city played in World War One.

“It has been seen by thousands of shoppers at Liverpool ONE before being moved to Woolton where it is on permanent display.”

Matilda said: “I had the idea because at school we were learning about World War One as it is 100 years since it started. It looks better than I expected it to and I am really excited and happy!”

Chris Lee, buildings manager at Liverpool ONE, said: “It was fantastic to see Matilda’s design for the penguin in pride of place on Thomas Steers Way.

“We are delighted to host the penguin here at Liverpool ONE and are sure visitors really enjoyed the design which honours the role of the city’s soldiers during World War One so vividly.”