Listening Residency | Nicki McCubbing | 86 Bus

A book capturing the quirkiness and uniqueness of the 86 bus route from Smithdown Road to Liverpool city centre has been published as part of Picton Play, a Creative Neighbourhoods project commissioned by Liverpool City Council and delivered by Metal.

Written by Nicki McCubbing, with a foreword by Lynsey Hanley and designed by Lisa Robson, the book celebrates the beauty found in everyday interactions and the glimmers of humanity we experience through community connection.

During a three-month artist residency on the 86 bus, Nicki, who herself has ridden the 86 route between the city centre and her home for over 25 years, captured conversations, moments of laughter, sadness, and confusion.

The result is a relatable, heart-warming and humorous collection of small observed gestures and snippets of conversations that creates a unique portrait of the 86.

Nicki’s residency was part of the first phase of the Picton Play programme – Listening – which involved hosting artists in unexpected places to exchange knowledge with residents about the area and its people and places, while making new connections around the themes of play, sharing, joy and celebration.

Secure your copy online here or from any of the following booksellers: News From Nowhere, Dead Ink Books and National Museums Liverpool.

For more information, read this blog by Nicki McCubbing: https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/the-86-bus/