A new mural of Nelson Mandela is nearing completion in Toxteth ahead of the visit of his daughter.
A mural of Nelson Mandela was commissioned by local charity Mandela8 to conserve and widely share existing historical and contemporary heritage of the late South African leader. The mural is painted on the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre at the beginning of Princes Avenue in Toxteth.
The completion of the new mural will come ahead of the opening of the new Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park this July. Mr Mandela's daughter Dr Maki Mandela and his granddaughter Tukwini Mandela will cut the ribbon on the memorial dedicated to the iconic leader as part of a week-long visit.
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The mural comes from renowned mural painter John Culshaw whose previous work includes depicting Jurgen Klopp and Ringo Starr around the city. John called it a "privilege" to get to paint Mr Mandela and said: "Nelson Mandela is a man who has given so much to humanity and in fighting so hard to abolish apartheid, showed the world that the only way forward is equality.
"I hope the the people of the community and visitors who see this mural, will take away a sense of the man and an understanding of his wise words.“
Stunning images taken by the ECHO revealed the mural featuring the leader and a strong message from Mandela himself - education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world - is nearing completion.
Sonia Bassey MBE, Chair of Mandela8 said: “This has been a while in development behind the scenes and adds to the already significant regeneration along Princes Avenue that has seen Mandela8 influencing and shaping the very fabric of our community. It will be a fitting tribute to one of the most significant leaders in the world in advance of the Mandela Family’s visit to Liverpool this July.
"We are delighted that KIMC allowed us to use this wall for the mural. John Culshaw is an amazingly talented artist, and it has been a privilege for Mandela8 to work with him. We have already seen a real excitement about the work developing and we envisage - like all John’s work - it will become a major attraction for visitors."
Stephen Nze, Mandela8 Ambassador, who has been leading site management said: “ It’s great to finally see this project come to life - the mural is set to become a landmark within our community. It’s been amazing working with John and it’s great that it will be placed where it will be visible to so many traveling through our community, as well as those that live within it, with a powerful message to all young and old alike.”
