A River Mersey ferry will become the only operating Dazzle Ship in the UK after launching on 2 April.

Designed by esteemed British pop artist Sir Peter Blake, the eye-catching pattern will cover the Snowdrop ferry for two years as part of World War One Commemorations.

The ferry during her transformation

Coined Everybody Razzle Dazzle, the project has been commissioned by Liverpool Biennial, 14-18 NOW the First World War Centenary Art Commissions and Tate Liverpool in partnership with Merseytravel and National Museums Liverpool.

The unique patterns of Dazzle Ships first came about during World War One and made it difficult for enemies to estimate a boat’s range, speed and direction.

Come rain or shine, the painters worked tirelessly for weeks to ‘dazzle’ the ferry

Each ship’s pattern featured monochrome and colour in order to avoid making classes of ships instantly recognizable to enemy U-boats and aircraft.

This is the third in a series of Dazzle Ship commissions, with two already existing, one on Liverpool Waterfront and one on the banks of the Thames in London.

Artist Sir Peter Blake visits the finished ship ahead of its launch

Director of Liverpool Biennial Sally Tallant said: “It is an honour to commission Sir Peter Blake to revisit the practice of ‘dazzle camouflage’ and to invite him to paint the Snowdrop – an iconic Mersey Ferry.

“This is the third vessel that we have co-commissioned with our partners and it is wonderful that we are able to undertake this ambitious project with the support of the Exceptional Awards programme from Arts Council England.

Credit: Ant Clausen

“Millions of people will have the opportunity to see and engage with the artwork and we are delighted to be able to bring this exciting project to Liverpool.”

Taking a River Explorer Cruise aboard Snowdrop is the best way to appreciate the artwork in all its glory, while learning more about dazzle history.

The 50-minute cruise departs on the hour from Liverpool Pier Head terminal and calls at both Seacombe and Woodside Ferry Terminal.

Sir Peter Blake signs the Dazzle Ship during his visit to see the finishing work