Dip In To Pride Bath Now On Display At The Most Iconic Building In Liverpool

When photographer and arts producer, Laura McCann wanted to include an interactive installation in an exhibition she was curating, she could never have imagined just how many people would end up seeing it.

After meeting mosaic artist Natasha Ellis, Laura came up with the idea of tiling a bath in rainbow colours, to encourage people to immerse themselves in the spirit of Pride. As Laura explained, “I wanted a fun installation that would engage people but also convey an important message”. Natasha says she was, “excited by the concept” adding, “I’ve loved working on this project and I’m so happy at how the city has embraced The Bath”.

The Dip into Pride bath has been on display at various places, including the world’s biggest Lush store and more recently The Museum of Liverpool. Both places that the creatives only dreamed of displaying the bath. So, where do you go from there?

Laura, who collaborates with numerous artists, recently curated the first ever exhibition by muralist Paul Curtis, which took place at The Royal Liver Building. Laura commented, “Paul’s show was a big success, with over 7,500 visitors in just three weeks. The venue is perfect and the team there are great, so I was very keen to work with them again. I pitched the idea of the DIP bath going on display and I’m delighted to say they loved it. 

Natasha, who was born and raised in Liverpool, plays an active role in the LGBTQIA+ community and said, “I’ve always been inspired by creatives such as Keith Haring, who laid foundations to make sure queer art was seen by everyone. For the bath to be in an iconic place as The Royal Liver Building shows how much of an inclusive space it is.” 

Ian Edwards who is CBRE General Manager and responsible for the day to day running of The Royal Liver Building said, “It is important to help and support local artists at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to get a foothold in the industry. At The Royal Liver Building we have enjoyed hosting a whole host of various artists and exhibitions, ranging from art students work to established names and as Pride is just around the corner, we want to help promote an inclusive and respectful society for all.”

Aside from spreading a positive message of equality, the DIP Bath has another purpose, as Laura went on to explain, “The plan is to sell the bath with all proceeds going to local charity Sahir, who’ve supported the LGBTQIA+ community for decades. Our hope is that the more people who see the bath, the more people will want to buy it.”

Sahir’s CEO Ant Hopkinson commented “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.”

The Dip into Pride Bath will appear in the waterside reception area of The Royal Liver Building, weekdays from Tuesday 23 April 9-5pm and is completely free to view. More information about the project can be found at lauramccannphotos.com  Or follow Laura on Instagram @lauramccannphotos.