Mozaico Collaborates with Mapei to Complete Imagine Mosaic for Liverpool's Strawberry Fields

Mozaico, US-based makers of fine handcrafted mosaics, teamed up with environmentally conscious chemical manufacturer Mapei to complete the Imagine mosaic, celebrating the life and art of the famous Beatle, John Lennon. Commissioned by Orange Amplification on behalf of Strawberry Fields, the mosaic measures a massive 6.4 metres in diameter and forms part of the new Salvation Army's bandstand.

“The bandstand mosaic is a culmination of hard work and dedication by so many creative people from across the globe,” explained Major Kathleen Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field. “In response to John’s death in 1980, a 2.5 acre landscape garden in the shape of a teardrop was built in Central Park in New York. The gardens were opened by Yoko Ono in John’s memory and named Strawberry Fields. The Strawberry Field bandstand and mosaic have been donated by Strawberry Field Honorary Patron, Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amplification, and will sit in the original Strawberry Field garden in Liverpool as an enduring message of peace and hope; a beautiful new addition to our attraction.”

Drawing inspiration from its New York cousin, the new mosaic comprises 390,000 tiles, meticulously cut and placed by hand by four of Mozaico's artisans. Due to the high level of detail and precision, it took 15 weeks to complete the design.

Mozaico worked closely with Mapei, a renowned global manufacturer of chemical products for the construction industry, boasting an impressive history spanning nearly a century. Mapei, a manufacturer committed to sustainability, allocates significant revenue towards research and development efforts to create the highest quality products with minimal environmental impact. To help complete the installation, Mapei donated three high-performance products with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) formulations: Keraquick S1 White (high-performance, quick-setting, deformable cementitious adhesive) mixed with Latex Plus (elasticizing additive) and Kerapoxy Easy Design epoxy grout. The mosaic was installed by the father and son team of Liverpool-based Eye of the Tiler Ltd.

Located close to Lennon's childhood home, Strawberry Fields is the original site of a Salvation Army children’s home and the Salvation Army's brass bands. Growing up, Lennon often played in the gardens and heard the band play - memories that later inspired one of the Beatles' most famous songs, Strawberry Fields Forever.

Concept designer Mick Dines drew inspiration from the drum showcased on The Beatles' iconic Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover for the new bandstand design. The design also incorporates elements from the renowned marching bands of the Salvation Army, blending their distinctive style and historical significance.

In addition to serving as a platform for local bands and artists, the new bandstand will also feature advanced computer lighting and sound technology, allowing visitors to enjoy musical and theatrical performances via wireless headphones as they explore the famous grounds.

Continuing the spirit of musical heritage and celebrating the Beatles' legacy, the Imagine mosaic will be a permanent feature of the Strawberry Fields bandstand.

***********

About Mozaico:

Founded in 2003, Mozaico is a luxury art and craft brand bringing mosaics into home interiors worldwide. Headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, Mozaico collaborates with skilled artisans in Lebanon to produce mosaics using traditional techniques passed down through generations and premium materials, such as marble. Mozaico’s mission is to shift the perception of mosaics and introduce this design form into contemporary spaces.

About Mapei:

Founded in 1937 in Milan, Mapei is now one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chemical products for the building industry and has contributed to the construction of some of the most important architectural and infrastructural works worldwide. Headquartered in Halesowen, West Midlands, Mapei UK has over 300 employees. Mapei UK facilities have been certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards. An environmentally conscious manufacturer that reinvests significant revenue into R&D, Mapei offers training for architects, contractors, installers and distributors through Mapei Academy.