If you’ve visited the Butterfly House in Victoria Park recently, you might have spotted a familiar set of wings getting a second life!
Back in summer 2024, Culture Liverpool commissioned us at Made by Make to build something special for the Liverpool Loves Taylor trail to celebrate the arrival of the Eras Tour. We had the absolute joy of creating 11 installations to go across the city center that each represented Taylor’s ‘Eras’. One of these installations was a giant butterfly art installation representing Taylor’s self-titled debut album. Stationed at Liverpool’s iconic Royal Albert Dock, it quickly became a fan favorite, serving as the backdrop for thousands of visitors snapping photos and celebrating the music.
Out of the Cocoon and Into the North Docks
Exposed to the famous North Docks weather over the past two years, our beloved butterfly was starting to feel a bit weather-worn. It was time for a little TLC and a fresh transformation.
Enter Make Resident Simon Armstrong of Design Laser Play. Simon took on the restoration, giving the butterfly a full refresh, repairing its structure, and revitalizing its colors. Now, fully transformed and out of its cocoon, it was ready for its next chapter.
A Special Debut at Widnes Butterfly House
We couldn’t have asked for a better new landing pad. The refreshed butterfly recently made its grand debut at Widnes Butterfly House inside Victoria Park!
It made a special appearance during one of the park’s rare Twilight Butterfly House opening – an exclusive evening event that only happens a few times each season.
Powered by Community & Local Support
At Make, we are all about bringing local people together to build beautiful things. Bringing this iconic piece of public art to life and finding it a new home was a true team effort every step of the way. From Xyleia’s original designs, to Simon’s skilled craftsmanship, right down to our community of movers and shifters who rolled up their sleeves to transport and maneuver the butterfly safely into place at the Butterfly House.
None of this would have been possible without incredible local collaboration. A huge thank you goes to the Victoria Park Environment Team, who successfully secured an Awards for All grant, as well as support from Cultura 26 through the Made In Halton Eco Fest funding.
We want to give a massive shoutout to the Widnes Butterfly House itself. Completely run by dedicated volunteers from the Victoria Park Environment Team since 2016, this space is a labor of love for the community and local biodiversity. We are honored to have our piece flutter into a space supported by people who care so deeply about their local environment.
Plan Your Visit
The Widnes Butterfly House is free to visit and open throughout its season (May through September) on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (closed on the first Saturday of each month).
Be sure to drop by Victoria Park, explore the Butterfly House, and support the amazing volunteers who keep this local treasure thriving. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos – we’d love to see where the journey takes us next!
