What Is The Superlambanana?

The story behind Liverpool's much-loved yellow mascot.

You may have always wondered about the big yellow creature that the Scousers keep banging on about. Say hello to the Superlambanana, crossed between a lamb and a banana (yes, you heard it correctly), the unique sculpture is a much-loved Liverpool icon!

Since Liverpool is the hometown of our humble beginnings, we couldn't help but fall in love with the strange mascot. We are almost certain you will too after discovering more about its origins.

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Where did the Superlambanana come from?

Originally created as a four-inch model in 1998 by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo, for the ArtTransPennine Exhibition. It was down to the work of local artists Ray Stokes, Tommy Reason, Andy Small, and Julian Taylor to recreate the sculpture as we know it today, on a scale of 50:1. Weighing an incredible 8 tonnes and standing 5.2 meters high!

The Superlambanana was first unveiled to the city, at the reopening of the famous Tate gallery. Viewed as an ironic comment on the dangers of genetic engineering, the unusual artwork also nodded to the city's historical cargo of lambs and bananas. The idea of the sculpture was that it 'spoke of the future of 90's Liverpool'. The rest was history, Liverpool welcomed this loveable hybrid Superlamabanana with open arms.

Since appearing, the Superlambanana has embarked on a citywide tour. First starting with life on the Strand near the Liver Building, to spending time in Williamson Square, then on to Spike Island and Wapping, near the Albert Dock. Our yellow friend now happily resides outside of Liverpool John Moore's University Libary.

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What about the other Superlambanana's?

Part of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008, 124 two-meter high replicas were located throughout the city. Created in partnership between Liverpool Culture Company and Wild in Art. Artists worked with local community groups and businesses to design each individual mini Superlambanana.

The trail ran for 10 weeks until the end of August 2008, creating a fun buzz across the city. However, when their time came to an end, all 124 mini Superlambananas were auctioned off for the Lord Mayor's charities, generating over a massive £500,000.

The return...

In 2010, eight new mini replicas, known as the Eight for 08, appeared in the city as permanent pieces of art. With four of the newly-ish returned Superlambananas taking pride of place outside the Museum of Liverpool on the Pier Head.

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Superlambanana the love story contuines...

It's safe to say that the Superlambanana remains a Liverpool cultural icon and a much-loved sculpture on the city's streetscape. It holds a special place in our hearts and continues to show why Liverpool has a well-earned reputation in the creative world.

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