Iconic Site was created as a response to the situation of many cities where waves of new development change the face of our urban environment.

In 2004, Liverpool’s historic Victorian docks were given World Heritage status to recognize the beauty of the architecture of its waterfront and the significance Liverpool had as a major trading power during the British empire. In July 2021 that status and recognition was lost when UNESCO rescinded the World Heritage status citing that new developments had transformed the original characteristics of the area causing the site’s loss of authenticity and integrity.

Iconic Site is an invitation to consider what gives a place its character and unique cultural quality, the consideration beyond the binary choice of heritage or progress and the fine balance between past and present.

Iconic Site has been reimagined from past showings, using font taken from the lettering found on and around the docks — ironically both historically carved into the stonework and contemporary in advertising hoardings for the developments on and around these docks.

Commissioned by Culture Liverpool for the River of Light festival from October 22 to November 7, 2021.

Video courtesy Culture Liverpool.