The winning piece ‘Laminae’ is now on display at Liverpool Parish Church
2025’s Liverpool Sculpture Prize winner has been announced, with Wirral’s own Ben Stephenson taking the top spot with his piece ‘Laminae’.
The cylindrical sculpture is made using a rammed earth technique; a natural construction method where a damp mixture of soil, aggregate, sand, silt and clay is compacted to create a solid structure. The sculpture stands tall, with a hollow core at its centre that is impossible to see, adding a sense of mystery.
Stephenson’s work explores the intersections of identity, ecology and history, using natural materials to speak about humanity’s ever-evolving relationship with the earth, inviting viewers to reflect on erosion and regeneration - themes that echo both ancient traditions and urgent environmental conversations of today.
“This piece reflects my ongoing interest in the relationship between nature and time,” said Stephenson, adding “Drawing from the vernacular of materials such as earth, clay and sand, it speaks of cycles and memory. I’m grateful for the opportunity to create something rooted in the city’s history and environment, and I hope the work connects with those who encounter it in unexpected ways.”
Stephenson’s connection to rammed earth sculpting began during a residency in Mexico, where he was introduced to the technique and its deep cultural and architectural history. This sparked an interest into sustainability, heritage and materiality with rammed earth now an integral part of his sculptural language.
Stephenson was selected by a judging panel made up of voices from Liverpool's arts, business and civic communities, including Miranda Lever from Diocese of Liverpool, artist Faith Bebbington, DuoVision curator James Lawler, writer and critic Laura Robertonson (The Double Negative), James Minshull from Taylor Wessing, and Japan Rowlands from ACC Liverpool all on the panel.
The Liverpool Sculpture Prize is managed by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool Parish Church and is open to any sculptor living and working in the UK. It champions and supports artists interested in working with material, place and meaning.
Shaped by land and time, ‘Laminae’ is a standout winner and fits in perfectly to the scenery surrounding Liverpool.
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