A new public art trail has launched in Liverpool that takes in the city’s famous Bombed Out Church.
Tony Phillips ‘Above us only sky?’ trail begins at The Bluecoat on School Lane, leads up to the Bombed Out Church on Leece Street and back again. The trail explores the theme of flight from 1903 to the present day.
Each painting depicts a unique flight-related event, both the good and the bad in the style of religious relics and fresco murals. Some of the many subjects covered include nuclear war, imperialism, space travel and consumerism.
READ MORE: The story of St Luke's 'Bombed-Out' Church
These historical themes are particularly relevant given the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the shocking airstrikes that have taken place in recent weeks. With this in mind, Tony wants people who follow the trail to probe the morality of both past and present technological advancements.
The trail has launched with support from Arts Council England, The Bombed Out Church, The Bluecoat, B.I.D, and Frensons Ltd. A spokesperson for St Luke’s Bombed Out Church said: "The themes Tony highlights throughout his trail tie in perfectly with the story of the Bombed Out Church.
"The site was bombarded by the Nazi’s in the notorious ‘May Blitz’ of 1941 during World War II. Therefore, the building acts as a standing example of the message Tony is conveying within his imagery, the contradictory nature of human ‘progress’."
Throughout the trail, Tony’s artwork is displayed on many of Liverpool’s most unique buildings. These include the Lyceum, a grade II listed building which was once Britain’s first subscription library and private social club and the lonesome façade of an old veterinary surgery on Seel Street.
A spokesperson for St Luke’s Bombed Out Church added: "During his previous residency at the church in 2010, Tony created his ‘Temple to the Sacred Automobile’ display. This is still on show inside the building today and comments on man’s obsession with the motorcar.
“Thus, this existing exhibition ties in effortlessly with Tony’s new work on our site ‘20th Century Chapel’. Both of Tony’s exhibitions have enhanced the artistic aims of the Bombed Out Church and we are extremely grateful to have hosted Tony’s artwork again inside our building.”
Information regarding the ‘Above Us Only Sky?’ trail, including a map and interpretations of each panel, can be found on the St Luke’s Bombed Out Church website. This Thursday, Tony is hosting a free Q&A event at the church to celebrate the opening of his trail during where he will discuss social history from the last 120 years, exploring man’s obsessions with technology and "progress" specifically through the development of the modern airplane. You can register for a free ticket here.
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