Riot-hit library's artwork celebrates community's 'hope'

A library set on fire during last summer's riots is set to unveil a new artwork celebrating the community who were there to help it rise from the ashes.

Spellow Community Hub and Library, in Walton, Liverpool, was torched in August amid unrest which swept across the country after the stabbings in Southport.

It reopened in December after £250,000 was raised and books were donated from the Queen and a host of celebrities.

As well as the Welcome Home artwork featuring images of people from the Walton community, a song and a film, which is the culmination of Dora Colquhoun's artist residency at the hub and library, will be showcased on Saturday.

Colquhoun was commissioned by Culture Liverpool.

She has led creative workshops with local residents and with community organisations, schools and businesses as part of the project.

The Welcome Home installation will feature pictures by St Francis De Sales pupils, as well as photographs of Walton residents including Kenny Robert from County DIY, Joan Abela co-director of Our House Walton Community Hub and 98-year-old Anne Gandy, who was appointed an MBE in 2007 for her services to the community.

Colquhoun, said she had been humbled by the local community who have welcomed her during her residency, adding Walton has "stolen a piece of my heart".

"Liverpool is a unique city, and the people in Walton are a true reflection of what makes it so special: a sharp sense of humour, natural storytelling, and the confidence to tell you if they don't like your outfit."

Ms Gandy added: "Scousers are the best people in the world, you won't meet a kinder group of people or more generous of heart."

Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, councillor Harry Doyle, said: "The story of Spellow Library continues to be one of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bonds of community.

"Artist residencies like this help the neighbourhood reclaim their shared narrative. The locals have opened their hearts and minds to Dora and the result is a beautiful installation, song and film."

Cash for the project was provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Funding and it is supported by recovery funding provided by central government and the Arts Council England.

The Spellow Lane Community Hub and Library opened in 2023 to serve deprived communities.

It suffered severe damage to its ground floor during violent disorder which as tensions flared following the murder of three young girls by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport, Merseyside, on 29 July last year.

The event takes place between 11:00 BST and 13:00 Spellow Community Hub and Library.

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