Art installation ‘Dip into Pride Bath’ comes to Liver Building

In 2023 arts producer and photographer Laura McCann curated a multi-artist exhibition for Pride and came up with the concept of the Dip Into Pride Bath, a rainbow tiled roll top bath, the idea being to encourage people to immerse themselves in the spirit of Pride and equality. The design was then brought to life by mosaic artist Natasha Eliis.

Laura McCann in the Dip into Pride Bath in Liverpool Lush store (Image: Laura McCann)

The bath has been on display at several locations in the region, including the Lush store and The Museum of Liverpool. It is now residing at The Royal Liver Building, which has presented an opportunity for more people to get involved.

Ian Edwards, CBRE’s General Manager at The Royal Liver Building, makes his way from Spital every day to organise the running of the historic building and said he’s, “always looking for new and exciting ways to animate the public areas”.  

Ian Edwards (Image: Laura McCann)

Earlier this year Ian was delighted to host the first ever exhibition by renown street artist Paul Curtis. The free event which featured workshops, Q&A’s sessions, a charity draw and live painting, took place in the main atrium of the building and attracted more than 7,500 visitors in just three weeks.

Paul Curtis, best known his own painting of Liver bird wings, has multiple murals across Wirral and now has a permanent piece in The Royal Liver Building.

The artwork which depicts the construction of the building was inspired by photos that Ian showed Paul ahead of the exhibition.

Laura McCann and Paul Curtis at his exhibition (Image: Laura McCann)

Ian has now placed those original images alongside the mural and he told us the plan is to ensure the public will always be able to view Paul’s work

Ian said: “We’re developing the ground floor and we’ve made sure there will be an dedicated area for art.

“The building is an iconic landmark but we want to keep it relevant, so it continues to engage with the local community and visitors to the city.

“I believe it’s important to help and support local artists at all levels, especially at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to get a foothold in the industry.”

Now people are being invited a free event at the Liver Building on June 20 where the public will be able to get their photo taken in the Dip Into Pride bath.

performance artist Luey Crucifix pictured in the bath at the Museum of Liverpool (Image: Laura McCann)

Laura, who curated the Paul Curtis exhibition, and Natasha have always planned to sell the bath with all proceeds going to the charity Sahir, an organisation that supports the LGBTQ+ community.

Before the bath is sold members of the public are now being invited to have their photo taken in the bath whilst it’s still at The Royal Liver Building at a free event on June 20.

Ian said, “We love projects that involve the community and we couldn’t be happier to support the Dip Into Pride Bath”.

Artist Natasha Ellis (Image: Laura McCann)

Laura added: “There’s no shortage of creative people in the city but not many venues offer the same enthusiasm and support that Ian and his team do.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with them and I’m really excited about collaborating on future events.”

Members of the public are not usually allowed to sit in the installation but if you would like the chance to have a professional photo taken by Laura McCann in the Dip Into Pride Bath, head to Riverside entrance of The Royal Liver building between 11am and 4pm on the Thursday, June 20. If you wish, you will also be able to make a donation to Sahir whilst you are there.