ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Liverpool Biennial venue damaged by suspected arson, Mark Leckey installation relocated

festival-fair · 2026-04-20

A planned venue for the 2016 Liverpool Biennial suffered significant damage in a suspected arson attack. The Saw Mill, a derelict building that once housed the nightclub Cream, was intended to showcase Mark Leckey's film installation Dream English Kid 1964 – 1999 (2015). This work draws inspiration partly from a 1979 Joy Division concert the artist attended at Liverpool's Eric's club. Authorities are investigating the fire as a deliberate act. Leckey's installation has been moved to the Blade Factory within the Camp and Furnace restaurant complex. The Liverpool Biennial will proceed as scheduled from 9 July to 16 October across multiple city venues. The incident was reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Key facts

  • The Saw Mill venue for Liverpool Biennial was damaged by suspected arson
  • The venue was a derelict mill formerly housing the nightclub Cream
  • Mark Leckey's film installation Dream English Kid 1964 – 1999 (2015) was planned for the venue
  • The installation is inspired by a 1979 Joy Division concert at Eric's club in Liverpool
  • The work has been relocated to the Blade Factory in Camp and Furnace restaurant complex
  • Liverpool Biennial runs from 9 July to 16 October 2016
  • The incident was reported by Liverpool Echo
  • Authorities suspect the fire was a deliberate act

Entities

Artists

  • Mark Leckey

Institutions

  • Liverpool Biennial
  • Liverpool Echo
  • Cream
  • Eric's
  • Camp and Furnace
  • Blade Factory

Locations

  • Liverpool
  • United Kingdom

Sources