Sculpture, 'Wish You Were Here'

Artist, John Clinch, made this sculpture for the International Garden Festival held in Liverpool in 1984. The sculpture captures the cheeky spirit of 1950s holidays to the seaside. The 1980s were tough years for many in Liverpool, but the International Garden Festival brought colour and atmosphere to the city. It seemed as if overnight the old landfill site at Otterspool had been transformed with sixty gardens, public art, a festival hall and walkway celebrating Liverpool stars. The Festival was the first attempt to regenerate the declining city and put the national spotlight on Liverpool. Liverpool Festival Gardens now occupy part of the site. The gardens have been restored and renewed for all to enjoy.