Wirral musician Elvis Costello honoured with huge Liverpool mural celebrating debut album

In association with Bowers & Wilkins and BBC Sounds, National Album Day returns for its fifth edition on Saturday 15th October, when it will celebrate the album art form and this year’s theme of debut albums.

To mark the occasion in Liverpool and Edinburgh, special artworks have been commissioned and created by local artists at renowned independent record store 81 Renshaw.

In Liverpool, street artist Paul Curtis has built a strong following and reputation locally for his large murals and outdoor artworks, creating more than 200 pieces within the Liverpool and Wirral area as well as other locations across the UK. 

Peter Cammell (The La's), Dave McCabe (The Zutons), Martin Dempsey (Yachts) and Paul Curtis (artist) outside the mural. (Image: Dawbell)

Using emulsion paints for the undercoat and acrylic paint for the overcoat, applied with brushes, Paul re-imagined Costello’s 1977 debut album My Aim Is True outside 81 Renshaw in the city centre. The piece also features artwork from the Zutons' debut album Who Killed...... The Zutons?, The La's The La's and Yachts' self titled debut.

81 Renshaw owner, Neil Tilly, said: "National Album Day is a significant date in the calendar here at 81 Renshaw and to celebrate this year’s theme we have created a mural that displays four historical debut releases by local artists. Each release was significant, and the mural displays key aspects of each of the covers in a vibrant and vivid display that will be seen by thousands of people over the next few days."

Since its launch in 2018, National Album Day, supported by offical audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins, has been supported by a diverse range of artists including Kylie Minogue, Lewis Capaldi, Mark Ronson and Elbow. Ambassadors this year include Wirral band The Mysterines.