Collection - Tom Murphy

Local sculptor and painter, Tom Murphy is a self-taught artist who began his artistic career purely as a hobby. This hobby quickly developed into a period of self-study where he mastered a range of techniques in many art disciplines. Tom graduated as a teacher from Liverpool John Moores University, taught art at the City of Liverpool Community College and has worked at the Centre for People with Learning Difficulties. The inspiration for his work stems from his variety of careers and his interest in the characteristics of people. The creation of the John Lennon statue was a launch pad for Tom making him well-known all over the world.

Following this success Tom was commissioned by Liverpool based company, Littlewoods to sculpt two bronze statues of the Moores brothers which are in situ in Old Hall Street in Liverpool City Centre. Tom's work also includes Roadpeace Traffic Memorial sited in St John's Gardens for the people who have died in road crashes; abronze statue of Harold Wilson in Huyton and a sculpture of Olympic Biathlon sportsman Mike Dixon sited in Invernesshire. Other work is situated in Lancashire, Germany and New York. In Liverpool two of Tom's famous sculptures include football legends Bill Shankly and Dixie Dean.

Tom Murphy created the 7ft bronze statue of John Lennon which was unveiled by Yoko Ono and Cherie Blair, to mark the change of the Airport name in 2002. The statue which weighs one tonne is situated on the main passenger walkway on Level 2 overlooking the check-in hall. It is clearly visible to all Airport users.

The statue is a symbol of the Airport and since it was unveiled it has been photographed and used during filming on so many occasions it has now become a recognisable landmark, one which the viewer instantly associates with Liverpool John Lennon Airport.