New art installation 'Dip into Pride Bath' to be featured at Museum of Liverpool

The bath, first exhibited in the lead up to Pride 2023, is now set to go on display in the main entrance of the Museum of Liverpool.

The concept of the “Dip into Pride Bath” was conceived by local arts producer and photographer, Laura McCann who wanted to include something interactive as part of a Pride exhibition she was curating.

Laura said:

“I wanted people to be able to get involved and immerse themselves in the spirit of equality for all.”

Laura met the mosaic artist, Natasha Ellis (aka @TitsupartistLiverpool), when they both attended a meeting about the Ukrainian Peace Garden being built ahead of Eurovision. Natasha was making the official sign for the garden and Laura asked if she’d considered tiling any three dimensional objects; suggesting that a bath might be a fun object, as people could then sit in it and get their photo taken to show their support for Pride.

Natasha, who was born and raised in Liverpool, started creating mosaic art during the first lockdown of 2020. The artist, who considers herself as an activist within the LGBTQIA+ community attends multiple Pride marches annually and was very keen to contribute to a Pride exhibition.

Natasha said:

“I believe art plays a vital role in delivering social messages. I’m influenced by creatives such as Keith Haring and I take inspiration from people like him who laid foundations to make sure queer art is seen by the masses.”

Dip into Pride Bath. Credit: Laura McCann

With the idea of the installation set, Laura found a second hand bath online and Natasha set to work creating the final piece. Although the work has previously been on display elsewhere, Laura said it was a dream to show it at Museum of Liverpool.

Laura added:

“We’re delighted to be exhibiting at such a prestigious venue and hope it will raise awareness of not only the cultural and social importance of art in the LGBTQIA+ community but also bring attention to Sahir, a long established charity who we are keen to support.”

Ant Hopkinson, CEO at Sahir, said:

“We’re truly delighted to be part of this illuminative art project, celebrating Merseyside’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. This collaboration with Natasha and Laura not only showcases the rich diversity of our community but also helps to underscore the vital support services Sahir provides.

“Sahir finds itself navigating challenging times and is reliant on the generosity of donors. We hope this project will attract new supporters as every donation is a lifeline – enabling us to continue our mission and foster a supportive environment for those in need.”

Kay Jones, Lead Curator of Urban and Community History at the Museum of Liverpool, said:

“We’re delighted to be showing the Dip into Pride Bath during LGBT History Month. Vibrant and joyful, it makes a great starting point to explore stories from Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community in the Museum of Liverpool’s collections and displays.”

The Dip into Pride Bath will appear in the main entrance of the museum from Tuesday 6 February – Sunday 3 March and is completely free to view.