A WIRRAL-based designer has been chosen to design the medals for the upcoming World Gymnastics Championships.
Amy Flynn was selected to design the medals for the 2022 Liverpool Championships by Bluecoat Display Centre after a call out for submissions.
Flynn said her first inspiration came from the stained glass of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral after memories from a school trip that stuck with her.
She told the Globe: “I had such a strong memory from visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral as a younger child, and I remember seeing the kaleidoscopic effect of the stained glass.
“In designing this medal, I was inspired by that sense of fragmentation, parts that are not necessarily so impressive individually, but when brought together make something really special.”
Also incorporated as part of the design are fragmented shapes using maps and satellite images of Liverpool from above, and textures took by hand in wax from locations around Liverpool including the Liver Building, M&S Bank Arena, and Liverpool Waterfront that will be cast into metal.
Amy said: “I have always wanted to be involved in art and design – I used to draw all day long as a kid and now I am proud to say it is my career.
“My studies took me into jewellery and accessories, where a lot of the techniques for designing this medal come from.
“It is absolutely fantastic that people from around the world will be here for gymnastics, and to experience Liverpool – it is really exciting for everyone involved.
“The texture of the medal will quite literally showcase the feel of the city – we will be taking texture from iconic Liverpool landmarks including the M&S Bank Arena where the competition will be hosted.”
The process, as well as the product, is important for Flynn, whose work always revolves around sustainability.
For the World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022 medals, Amy says the process will be no different.
She said: “I always aim to use recycled metals and materials, and with our medals, we will be working to use the most sustainable materials throughout.
“The ribbons and boxes for the medals will be the same – the World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022 is working to deliver as sustainable an event as possible, and the medal design will be a part of that.”
The World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022 will be an Olympic qualifying event for the Paris 2024 games and will take place from October 29 to November 6 2022.
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