Wade Smith Mural by Paul Curtis
A vibrant street art tribute by Paul Curtis celebrating Liverpool’s retail heritage in the creative heart of Ropewalks.
The Wade Smith Mural, located at 151 Fleet Street in Liverpool, is a vibrant street art masterpiece by renowned local artist Paul Curtis. This large-scale mural celebrates the legacy of the original Wade Smith store and reflects Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage through bold colors and intricate design. A prominent feature in the Ropewalks area, it exemplifies Curtis’s dynamic style and connection to the city’s artistic scene.
A brief summary to Wade Smith Mural by Paul Curtis
- 151 Fleet St, Liverpool, L1 4BW, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the mural’s vibrant colors and intricate details.
- Explore nearby Ropewalks district for additional street art and independent shops.
- Bring a camera for excellent photo opportunities against the mural’s bold backdrop.
- Combine your visit with a walk to other Paul Curtis murals in Liverpool for a comprehensive street art tour.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take Liverpool City Line buses 10, 17, or 86 to the nearby Fleet Street stop; journey times from Liverpool Central range between 10–15 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules on weekends. A single fare costs approximately £2.50 GBP.
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Train and Walk
From Liverpool Lime Street Station, walk about 15 minutes (1.2 km) through the city center to Fleet Street in Ropewalks. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for all fitness levels.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Liverpool takes around 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fare ranges from £5 to £8 GBP. Convenient for groups or visitors with limited mobility.
Wade Smith Mural by Paul Curtis location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Wade Smith Mural by Paul Curtis
A Tribute to Liverpool’s Retail Heritage
The Wade Smith Mural stands as a colorful homage to the iconic Wade Smith store, a beloved Liverpool retail institution. Painted by Paul Curtis in spring 2019, this mural is a collaboration with the Transalpino clothing company, linking contemporary street art with Liverpool’s commercial past. The mural’s location on Fleet Street places it in the heart of the Ropewalks district, an area known for its creative energy and vibrant urban culture.Paul Curtis: Liverpool’s Street Art Visionary
Paul Curtis, a Liverpool-born artist, has become a defining figure in the city’s street art movement. Since 2017, he has created over 250 public artworks across the UK, with many concentrated in Merseyside. Curtis’s work is characterized by its large scale, vivid colors, and cultural resonance, often celebrating local icons and history. His murals, including the famous Liver Bird Wings and tributes to Liverpool’s football legends, have become integral to the city’s visual identity.Artistic Style and Cultural Impact
The Wade Smith Mural showcases Curtis’s signature style: bold, graphic, and deeply connected to Liverpool’s identity. The mural’s vibrant palette and detailed imagery invite viewers to engage with the city’s heritage in a fresh, contemporary way. It contributes to the ongoing dialogue between Liverpool’s past and present, blending commercial history with modern urban art. This piece not only beautifies the urban landscape but also reinforces community pride and cultural storytelling.Setting and Atmosphere in Ropewalks
Situated in the Ropewalks area, the mural benefits from a dynamic and artistic neighborhood atmosphere. Ropewalks is known for its eclectic mix of independent shops, bars, and creative spaces, making it a natural home for street art. The mural’s prominent placement on Fleet Street ensures high visibility and interaction, drawing locals and visitors alike to appreciate Liverpool’s thriving street art scene.Legacy and Continuation of Public Art
As part of Paul Curtis’s extensive portfolio, the Wade Smith Mural exemplifies his commitment to public art that resonates with local culture. Curtis’s murals often serve as landmarks and conversation starters, enriching Liverpool’s urban fabric. The Wade Smith Mural continues this tradition, standing as a testament to the power of art in celebrating and preserving community heritage.Engagement and Inspiration
The mural encourages viewers to reflect on Liverpool’s commercial evolution and the role of art in urban regeneration. It inspires both locals and tourists to explore the city’s artistic offerings and appreciate the narratives embedded in its streets. Through works like this, Paul Curtis fosters a deeper connection between the city’s history and its contemporary cultural expression.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Liverpool Beatles Museum
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Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool
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Cavern Club
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Liverpool Cathedral
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John Lennon Statue - Mathew Street
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Jacaranda
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Ropewalks
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Discover Liverpool’s Ropewalks: a vibrant blend of maritime heritage, creative arts, eclectic dining, and lively nightlife in the city’s independent quarter.
Bold St
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Bold Street in Liverpool pulses with independent shops, vintage finds, diverse eateries, and rich maritime heritage in the city’s cultural core.
Soho's Liverpool
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Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
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A compact, purpose-built nightlife square in Ropewalks — bars, clubs and heated terraces that keep Liverpool’s evenings buzzing until the small hours.
Moonshine Saloon Liverpool
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Discover the Wild West at Moonshine Saloon Liverpool, a unique cocktail bar and dinner theatre offering immersive experiences and dynamic performances.
Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six
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An immersive prison‑themed cocktail experience where theatre and mixology collide in Cell Block Three‑Six.
Pop Boutique
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Wolstenholme Square
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Clayton Square Shopping Centre
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A compact, light-filled shopping arcade in central Liverpool — ideal for essentials, coffee and a quick stop near Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations.
Quirky Quarter
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Bluecoat Display Centre
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The Bluecoat
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Liverpool's creative heart: where 300 years of history meets contemporary art and community.
China Town - Liverpool
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William MacKenzie's Tomb
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A towering granite pyramid on Rodney Street, this tomb blends Victorian grandeur with ghostly legends of a gambler’s eternal wager.
Essential places to dine
Greek Taverna Bold Street
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Wreck Bistro
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Alma De Cuba
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Almost Famous Liverpool
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Mowgli Street Food Bold Street
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La Finca Eivissa
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The Italian Club
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street at The Italian Club.
Maray Bold Street
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Discover vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates with bold flavours and plant-based options in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
Villa Romana - Italian Restaurant Liverpool
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Down the Hatch
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Cowshed Liverpool
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Turtle Bay Liverpool Hanover St
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Shiraz Palace
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Ropewalks Bar And Kitchen
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Chamber 36 City Centre
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Beat That
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Utility Gift Store
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Resurrection
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Shared Earth
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Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
The Hippy Hole
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COW Liverpool
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69A
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Bleu Prints
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Utility
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Urban Outfitters
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Rebellious Fashion
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Motel Bar
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Salt Dog Slim's
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The Oracle
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Present Company
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Brass Monkey
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Red Door
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Berry and Rye
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Sub Rosa
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Baa Bar Liverpool
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Ink Bar Liverpool
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Aura
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Modo, Liverpool
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BrooklynMixer
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LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
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EBGBS
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Pure Nightlounge
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Heebie Jeebies
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Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
Cool It
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ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
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Popworld - Liverpool
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The Blue Angel Nightclub
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Playground Liverpool
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Liverpool's luxury nightclub haven in the Hilton, pulsing with upscale beats by the Mersey waterfront – exclusive nights await in the heart of the city.
Flares - Liverpool
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Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Flares on Mathew Street, where great cocktails and unbeatable party vibes meet iconic music heritage.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Vibrant
- Lively
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Street Art
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
