Museum of Liverpool showcases branding specialist Wild Thang’s limited edition t-shirt range introduced by the firm during the COVID-19 lockdown to support NHS workers. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyside branding specialist Wild Thang sold almost 500 limited edition t-shirts to support the NHS during the COVID-19 lockdown – now its efforts have been recognised by the Museum of Liverpool.
Wild Thang, which just prior to lockdown had embarked on a £2m expansion of its Bootle-based business, transforming its headquarters and upgrading its manufacturing facilities.
But, similar to many businesses across the Liverpool city region, Wild Thang found itself having to adapt to a once-in-a-century crisis. It responded with a positive push to highlight the fantastic work of people in the NHS during the pandemic.
Its t-shirt range saw four designs each carrying a message of support and awareness for NHS staff. And now the t-shirts are being featured in a display at the Museum of Liverpool on the city’s waterfront.
Wild Thang founder Andrew Dwerryhouse said: “As for many companies across the UK it continues to be a challenging time for Wild Thang as a business because of the effects of coronavirus and the lockdown. So when this came completely out of the blue it was a real team morale booster and has filled everyone at Wild Thang with such pride.
Our team’s efforts to make a difference by producing our branded campaign t-shirts to raise funds and awareness to highlight the efforts the NHS were making and the importance of social distancing, has been recognised.
“It’s a real honour to know we have made our very own little piece of history that will be documented in the museum archives for decades and even centuries to come, made in Liverpool, and displayed in the Museum of Liverpool.
“It was a real treat to be shown the COVID exhibit in person by the curator of this display Kay Jones at Museum of Liverpool. When we viewed the display in person we even spotted some printed cotton tote bags we had produced for those volunteer face shield manufacturing heroes Merseyside PPE Hub who were also included in the curation
“If any good has come out of this incredibly difficult time it is the way our communities have pulled together and really recognised all the hard work and sacrifices the NHS workers have made to make sure as many people affected by the virus could have the best possible life saving care.
“It has never been more apparent to Wild Thang as a company that we can all make a difference. We are stronger together, even when socially distanced apart.”