New art installation brings Wirral’s maritime myths to life at Fort Perch Rock

A powerful new exhibition at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton is blending history, folklore and the forces of nature in a striking display of storytelling through art.

Black Rock and Other Wonders – Flags of Myth and Memory is now open at the historic coastal site Fort Perch Rock, running until 14 September 2025. Created by Wirral-based artists Angela Stringer and Nicky Perrin, the exhibition features eight large hand-painted flags flying from the fort’s flagpoles – each one capturing stories from Wirral’s rich maritime past.

From local legends like the Black Rock Mermaid to wartime tales of a secret underground munitions factory run by 200 women, the flags explore a blend of folklore, seaside nostalgia and hidden histories passed down through generations. The work also weaves in personal family connections, with both artists drawing inspiration from their fathers’ RAF service and the fort’s own links to the 610 Squadron.

Angela said: “It’s an incredible honour to be exhibiting at such a historic site on the Wirral, and to combine our personal history with stories of smugglers, mermaids and secret Morse code messages has been fascinating.”

What makes this installation even more unique is the materials used. The artists collected rusty objects and natural debris from inside the fort, using sandstone, burnt wood, and prints taken from discarded items to create their pigments. As the flags fly over the summer months, they’ll continue to change – bleached by sunlight, soaked by rain and weathered by sea air, becoming part of the very landscape they represent.

Nicky added: “With the elements already starting to take their toll, our closing date of September 14 might be optimistic. But we’re embracing whatever nature throws at us – it’s all part of the work.”

Alongside the outdoor display, a collection of smaller artworks using the same materials and techniques can be found inside Fort Perch Rock’s Mess Café, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The flags themselves are visible 24 hours a day.

Black Rock and Other Wonders is part of the Independents Biennial 2025, which showcases creative talent across the Liverpool City Region. You can catch the installation at Fort Perch Rock until mid-September – and experience Wirral’s maritime stories in a way you’ve never seen before.

Find out more about Fort Perch Rock here.

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