Visitors to St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will be welcomed by two new arrivals from today, as a pair of bright and bold sculptures take pride of place in the grounds of Whiston Hospital.

As part of Knowsley’s celebrations as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture for 2022, the huge owl and a pussycat statues, created and installed by Wild in Art, will be on display at the front of Whiston Hospital as part of a free Owl & Pussy-Cat sculpture trail taking place across Knowsley from 20 June to 4 September. 

The owl sculpture at the Trust, titled ‘Colourful History’, has been designed by St Helens based graffiti artist Simon Daly, and aims to encapsulate important parts of Knowsley whilst showing a complete contrast between areas of Knowsley’s landscape and heritage. 

The cat sculpture, ‘Pea Green Love’, is designed by award-winning artist Lynn Hollingsworth and incorporates individual heart designs created by young patients from Whiston Hospital’s Children’s Ward to reflect the love and gratitude for the amazing NHS staff and facilities.

Ann Marr OBE, Chief Executive of St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said “We’re delighted to be able to join in with the cultural festivities taking place across Knowsley this year, and it is our absolute pleasure to receive these wonderful sculptures from our friends at Knowsley Culture for the enjoyment of our patients, staff, and visitors. 

These beautiful sculptures are already helping to brighten spirits across the hospital, and it’s wonderful to see people stop and smile as they walk by.”

Cllr Graham Morgan Leader of Knowsley Council commented, “The Hospital is such an important part of Knowsley, not just for the service it provides to our residents but also as a major employer in our borough. We were thrilled that they were keen to be part of our trail and we are delighted that the thousands of people visiting the hospital in the coming weeks and months will get to see the sculptures for themselves."