Don't Pass Me By

This piece of public art is in Litherland, Liverpool. It amazes me how people take art for granted and walk past without even sparing a glance. The Beatles tribute includes original band members Stu Sutcliffe and Pete Best.

Mann Island from Canning Dock

a romantic return?

This is one of the three new buildings that form Liverpool's 'Mann Island development'. From this Canning Dock viewpoint it looks like a giant liner is being built again on Merseyside! Sadly, this is no romantic return to a glorious industrial past - it is modern angular architecture in menacing black glass. Perhaps it has its place, but this isn't it!

waiting for the demolition crew

I knew that the demolition of Royston Street was imminent - and expected it to have started when I visited on 12 June. Although it had not begun, the street was blocked off with the skips in place. I managed to gain access through a blown down barrier - it may be the last time I can photograph the street - although I will try and record its demolition if at all possible.

I feel an affinity to Royston St now - I just wish I'd been able to record some of the occupants leaving! Whatever is replacing this attractive terrace can't be better than a full refurbishment of the existing properties would have been - it could have looked wonderful - such a shame! Town planners have a lot to answer for!

In this view of the eastern half of Royston Street (the Dunning Road end) the tower of the closed St Cyprian's church can be seen to the right. Someone has flung a section of orange barrier onto a street light in the adjoining Peet Street (I don't suppose vandalism matters any more in this condemned and deserted part of Edge Hill).

Map : http://bit.ly/ceheSP

Sixty One - Sixty Three

Royston Street is in two halves (split by the intersection with Dorothy Street). The houses in the western half (the Marmaduke Street end) must have been vacated a lot earlier than those in the eastern half (the Dunning Road end) judging from the shrubbery which has taken hold in bedrooms and roofs.

the Three Graces

I saw these 3 ladies with their hats looking across to the 'Three Graces' (what little can be seen of them now). After taking the shot I explained to the ladies that the 'Three Graces' are the iconic waterfront buildings - the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. They were from Thailand and I told them that I had taken their photo from behind and that I was going to call them the 'Three Graces'. One of them produced a camera and asked me to take the same photo for them which I was happy to do. So, although my three ladies will probably never see this blog, they will have the same photo to remind them of their Liverpool visit.