Sir Peter Blake's 'Dazzling' Artwork

Liverpool ferry gets makeover by famous pop artist

Chiswick-based artist Sir Peter Blake first visited Liverpool during his National Service with the RAF.

And he rekindled his strong link with the city when he designed new artwork which has now been painted on one of the famous ferries. The 'Dazzle' design is now featured on the Snowdrop, to celebrate the centenary of World War One.

Ship designers used a dazzle design to try to confuse the eye and avoid detection by the enemy because bright twisty paintwork made it harder to track their range and speed. Artist Norman Wilkinson was credited with inventing the technique with each ship's pattern making it difficult to recognise classes of ships.

The ferry was repainted at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead and was commissioned by arts festival Liverpool Biennial and Tate Liverpool.

Passengers will be able to learn about the history of "dazzle" and the role that Mersey ferries played in World War One by visiting an onboard exhibition.

Sir Peter, who lives in Chiswick, became famous for designing The Beatles' Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover. He is one of Britain's foremost artists and is also associated with the Camellia Festival at Chiswick House and Gardens.

April 10, 2015