His nuclear exhibit will feature Liverpool’s famous “Bubble Chamber”, which once sat below the Anglican Cathedral.

Mr Phillips said: “The Bubble Chamber was used to create nuclear fission, Liverpool was very much at the centre of nuclear development.

“I will box in the chamber to make it look like a sacred object with three canvasses hanging above.

“The first will reflect on the power and influence of nuclear power and the mind set of this significant phenomenon.

“Another will show a scientist pressing a button, and we all push buttons every day.

“In contrast, the third artwork will show a huge mushroom cloud. Nuclear power is potentially beautiful and inspiring but is also a big threat to many.”

His final installation will use engine indicators, which measure pressure, from the university’s Department of Engineering. Each will be covered in a mini-shrine.

Much of Mr Phillips’s work stems from his love of history and is inspired by a previous collection of work, Guide to the Twentieth Century, which looked at the 80s and 90s up until the millennium.

Despite now living in Italy, Mr Phillips is still strongly connected with Liverpool and had a major exhibition at The Bluecoat, called The City, which looked objectively at the city’s history.

The exhibition runs until late autumn with workshops. Phone 794 2348 for further details.