New functional design for Superlambanana

Apr 28 2008 by Philip Key, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL’S iconic Superlambanana has been given a utilitarian purpose by turning it into a lounger. The half-lamb-half-banana statue is currently part of a Go Superlambanana campaign as part of Liverpool’s year as Capital of Culture.

Artists and others have been asked to redesign the creature with 130 decorated ones due to go on show in Liverpool this summer.

First off the mark was the property company Bruntwood which commissioned a design from a range of ideas by local artists.

Their chosen design was a Lambanana-lounger, created by local furniture company Team a go go and sculpted by one of the original lambanana artists Julian Taylor.

It was unveiled on the eighth floor of Burtonwood’s Plaza building, in Old Hall Street.

Businessmen and women queued up for a chance to “ride” the creature.

Tricia Stewart, head of customer services for Bruntwood, took it easy on the new design.

“We are thrilled with our Lambanana-lounger,” she said. “There were so many designs to choose from and we have selected one that really makes us smile

“It will also be useful for taking some time out during a hectic day.”

The lounger will now go on tour around Bruntwood’s nine Merseyside office buildings. “Customers can enjoy a seat with a difference at lunch time,” she explained.

The lounger was also praised by Sally-Ann Wilkinson from Wild in Art, the organisation behind the Go Superlambanana campaign.

“It’s a great example of how businesses can work with the arts to communicate a corporate message,” she said.

“I know it’s going to be the most talked about and the most enviable piece of business furniture in Liverpool for a long time to come.”

Bruntwood’s Liverpool director David Guest commented: “Our commitment to Liverpool is long term and requires more than developing grade A office space, it requires investment into the city’s people, culture and communities.”

philkey@dailypost.co.uk