Strawberry Field, the iconic location immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, is the site of a former Salvation Army children’s home.

Recently opened as a visitor exhibition, café, shop and gardens in September 2019, it has become a firm favourite with locals and Beatles fans alike.

Brand new for 2021, local artist, Sean Webster, has donated a piece of immersive artwork, located ‘off the beaten track’ in the Strawberry Field gardens where John Lennon played as a child.

Sean is a Street Artist and Illustrator from Liverpool. His work is recognised for its funk, colour and positive messages, which has led to it being collected all around the world. Sean worked on the art with the help of one of the Strawberry Field Steps to Work trainees, Joey.

Sean said:

“I am a huge Beatles fan, so this original piece of artwork is one that is very close to my heart. I have donated this beautiful work of art to encourage donations from the public to help keep the gates open for good.”

The 2m x 5m artwork has been designed in a way that allows visitors to immerse themselves within it, by standing between two characters and having the opportunity to ‘join hands’; something that we have been unable to do for so long throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The piece was unveiled at a small ceremony at Strawberry Field.

Major Kathy Versfeld, Mission Director of Strawberry Field said:

“We hope this beautiful piece of work will fill visitors with a sense of fun, togetherness and optimism, the promise of good things ahead!  We loved the idea that after the isolation of lockdown people of all ages could gather here and feel a sense of connection and continuity with the many others who will do the same, stretching out their hands and being immersed in the artwork.

“The artist behind the image is as inspiring as his creation, a local lad with a big heart and a bright future, who has taken the time to support the important work that we are doing here at Strawberry Field with those who have barriers to employment. Thank you, Sean!”

Lesley Theadorus, Public Fundraiser at Strawberry Field said:

“We can’t thank Sean enough for creating this amazing piece of art for Strawberry Field and we hope you all enjoy it as much as we do. This art work was inspired by the team’s memories of the past 2 years since opening to the public for the very first time, our aspirations for the future and how we can all focus on moving forward together.

“We hope that this new addition will encourage even more visitors to come and visit our award-winning centre, make a donation to support us and help keep our gates open for good – and forever!”

Strawberry Field includes an authentic inter-active exhibition where “nothing is real!” complete with Media Guides in multiple languages, exploring stories new and old of the site’s history and heritage, John Lennon’s childhood, and the writing and recording of the famous song as told by John’s close friends and family. Come and enjoy a walk around the gardens and discover this hidden gem, the latest addition to the Strawberry Field visitor experience.

Click here or call 0151 252 6130 for more information and to purchase your tickets to the visitor exhibition.

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