Living in Victorian splendour

Apr 12 2007 by Debbie Johnson, Liverpool Daily Post

Debbie Johnson meets an art enthusiast in her home

ART is at the heart of Lucy Byrne’s working life – and plays a significant part in her home life as well. The 27-year-old says she does not go "over-the-top" in her one- bedroomed flat, but does have a few works that she likes.

One is called Calpe Rock, by one of her favourite artists, Joe Thompson. She says: "I don’t really bring too much of my work home with me – but pieces like this I really like."

Lucy is the director of dot-art, the organisation which aims to promote the work of local artists. She does it via their gallery in Oriel Close, off Water Street, via dot-art.com, and also through a range of innovative schemes such as an art rental project and corporate work.

She says: "It is a myth that artists like to starve! At dot-art, we promote their work and find ways for them to gain new commissions and sales. We have about 70 local artists at the moment."

Lucy first came to Liverpool from her native Warwickshire seven years ago to study art history. She realised there was a gap in the market for her services, and also wanted to make original art accessible to the public: "I think it’s wrong that people should feel intimidated by the art world. In reality, you can often get a piece of original art for the same price you could buy a big print and frame from Ikea."

Lucy shares her apartment in Princes Park Mansions, L8, with her boyfriend, Andy Speakman. They moved in three years ago, and have already seen a change in the area.