Take a look at Southport Town Hall as you’ve NEVER seen it before.
The historic building on Lord Street was transformed into a superb tribute to all those who work in the NHS and other key workers in the fight against coronavirus thanks to renowned textile artist Ian Berry.
Ian’s huge denim-inspired clapping hands art was projected onto the front of the landmark building this evening on a night dedicated each week to Clap For Carers.
A series of rainbows – which has come to symbolise hope and brighter days to come after the storm of Covid-19 has passed – was also projected onto the building, thanks to an initiative between artist Ian Berry, Sefton Council and Stand Up For Southport co-founder Phil Gee.
Posted by Phil Gee on Thursday, 21 May 2020
Phil said: “It was an amazing spectacle at Southport Town Hall tonight, all part of the #iClapFor campaign in recognition of the NHS and everyone else making a difference.
“This is the brainchild of Ian Berry Art with the clapping hands made out of denim and then animated.
“Thanks to Sefton Council for joining in with the #iClapFor movement and to local photographers Ollie Cowan Photography and Angus Matheson for their time.”
‘Clapping Hands’ by acclaimed British textile artist Ian Berry was projected onto Southport Town Hall and Bootle Town Hall to tie in with #clapforcarers
‘Clapping Hands’ by acclaimed British textile artist Ian Berry was projected onto Southport Town Hall and Bootle Town Hall during Clap For Carers on Thursday, March 21, 2020. Photo by Phil Gee
The powerful projection, which “shines like a Batman beam”, acts as a visual reminder that the nation supports those on the frontline.
A Sefton Council spokesman said: “We are very excited to be the first area in the Merseyside region to show this powerful piece by IanBerry.Art, especially as it has been shown across the world!
“You can share you who clap for by tagging us in your photos and using the #iclapfor tag.”
The artist behind the moving illumination, Ian Berry, said the the artwork was inspired by his young son.
‘Clapping Hands’ by acclaimed British textile artist Ian Berry was projected onto Southport Town Hall and Bootle Town Hall during Clap For Carers on Thursday, March 21, 2020. Photo by Phil Gee
The 35-year-old said: “The idea for the piece came from my six-year-old son, who has loved joining with the Clap for Carers and spends all week asking ‘When is it Thursday?’ – he counts down to that moment every week.
“He views NHS staff as real superheroes and he was in awe when he saw an ambulance the other day.”
Ian also adds that he hopes the image will encourage people to think of who they clap for each Thursday at 8pm.
He said: “Whether you’re clapping for family on the front line, shop workers, or those who have had the virus, it’s important to remember them during this time.”
The image has now been displayed internationally and is helping to raise money for the NHS.
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