Liverpool hero who saved locals from drowning honoured with mural

A hero who saved many locals from drowning in the Mersey and the docks, and taught countless others to swim, has been honoured with a mural in Liverpool.

Painted by John Culshaw – famous for his range of murals across Liverpool – the mural of James Clarke in Athol Village is the third in a series of works commissioned by local charity Mandela8. The charity are delighted to now partner with Riverside Foundation to showcase and celebrate more community role models.

Mandela8 are aiming to “change the face of the community we live in by portraying positive models and their achievements” and have previously commissioned murals in Liverpool of LFC’s first Black player, Howard Gayle; photographer and urban griot Leroy Cooper; and Nelson Mandela himself.

James Clarke James was born in British Guiana (now Guyana) in 1886. At 14, he stowed away on a cargo ship bound for Liverpool and was adopted by an Irish family living in the Scotland Road area. James worked on the docks and soon joined Wavertree Swimming Club, teaching children to swim after rescuing many of them from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The first Black man to have a street named after him, James’ silver chain with 8 medals awarded to him for swimming and ‘saving life from drowning’ is on display at the Museum of Liverpool, alongside a framed certificate from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, awarded to James for diving into the West Waterloo Dock and rescuing a man from drowning.

Sonia Bassey MBE, Chair of Mandela8 said: 

“We’re delighted to continue to work with Riverside Group to commission the next in our series of murals across Liverpool. James Clarke was a true local hero, saving many people from drowning in the Mersey and teaching so many others to swim so they could save themselves. As someone who is synonymous with courage and really embracing unity in his support of his local community, we felt James was the perfect subject for this mural in Athol Village. We are humbled to have the blessing of James’ family ahead of the work on the piece beginning.

We’re thrilled to be working with John Culshaw again on this mural and have no doubt it will have the same impact as his previous works for Mandela8, including those of Leroy Cooper, Howard Gayle and Nelson Mandela himself.”

Project Manager and Mandela8 Ambassador, Stephen Nze said:

“It’s been great working with the talented John Culshaw over the last year on bringing this artwork to life for the legendary James Clarke and his family. We as Mandela8 are privileged and honoured to be allowed to create this mural with John and Riverside.”

The family of James Clarke gave the following statement:

“We, the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren of James Clarke, are truly honoured and deeply grateful to see a mural created in his memory. His story is one of strength and perseverance. Despite facing racism and physical abuse, he never let those struggles define him. Instead, he rose above them to become a pillar of his community, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire not just our family but so many others in Liverpool and beyond. 

His journey is a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, determination and kindness can make a real difference. In today’s world, where immigration is often spoken about negatively, his life shows the true impact of those who come here, work hard, and dedicate themselves to helping others. His resilience and unwavering spirit remind us all that it’s not where you start but how you choose to move forward that truly matters.

James Clarke, the first Black man in Liverpool to have a street named after him for saving countless lives at the docks and canal, left an incredible legacy that continues to inspire us all. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to John Culshaw for his beautiful artistic tribute, who played a key role in bringing this vision to life, and to the Mandela 8 charity for securing the funding from Riverside Housing. Their support has made this mural possible, ensuring that our grandfather’s legacy is celebrated for generations to come.

James often told his children ‘Let colour be your last excuse, not your first,’ a powerful message that has been passed down through generations. Reminding us that the true value lies in our actions and the choices we make. This mural embodies that message, a powerful reminder of his selflessness and unwavering commitment to making a difference in his community.

Find more information on the Mandela 8 website.

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