Two Liverpool Museums

behind the Museum of Liverpool Life (closed 2006), and somewhat out of kilter with its surroundings, is its replacement - the new Liverpool Museum (opening July 2011). In the background is the Liver Building and in the foreground the wonderful stone gatemens' hut at the entrance to the Canning Half Tide Basin.

Central Hall (Renshaw Street)

this is a privileged view from the 'circle' in Liverpool's Central Hall (built by the Wesleyan Mission, 1905). Sold by the Methodists in 1990 it spent a couple of years from 1998 as Barcelona nightclub (I think it's sad that important architectural buildings become nightclubs - especially churches) and it now houses a strange assortment of shopping units. Great for goth clothing, tattoos, novelties etc. some of which have relocated from Quiggins which was demolished in 2007 as part of the Paradise Street Development Scheme (from which Liverpool One was born).
The circle seating is all intact and I was told that a refurbishment of the upper area is planned - it would be great to attend a function in this wonderful building and just amazing to hear that organ played again!

lost in thought

Contemplation and sandwiches at Crosby beach (home of the Gormley 'Another Place' installation).

Fishing the Float

East Float Dock, Birkenhead. Note the raised bascule bridge (one of three in Birkenhead) to the left of Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. The white cloths in the chain fence are hand wipes that the fishermen use to clean up with, after handling the fish and bait.

Obscured by clouds

In the autumn sunshine the Mann Island redevelopment (see earlier posts) reflects, and begins to blend into, the backdrop cloudscape.

21c Gateway

this view of the Edge Lane demolition (taken from inside a phone box) resembles Ground Zero. This isn't terrorism though - it's the Edge Lane Project ('Creating a 21st Century Gateway to the City').

97 Royston Street

No. 97 remains the last house standing in the eastern half of Royston Street. A couple of the demolition crew told me that the properties were in a poor state structurally and that one of the hazards of their job was watching out for the discarded syringes. I was told that one house had a thousand used needles in one room (I assume that was an estimate). Contrast this photo with the entry for 13th June.

Bascule Bridge Renovation

The control room of the bascule bridge at Stanley Dock (Regent Road). Cosmetic renovation is almost completed - Aug 18, 2010.

Dockscape

this view from Collingwood Dock (looking toward Stanley Dock) shows the bascule road bridge under wraps for restoration. It's a cosmetic job - the bridge won't operate again - presumeably there is no requirement to let large craft through these docks. This is the only bascule bridge in Liverpool (but there are a couple in Birkenhead) and was due to be opened again at the end of July.

they all fall down

This looks like a scene from the WWII blitz. These houses survived the German bombing but couldn't escape the city planners' vision for an improved traffic flow into Liverpool centre 65 years later. This is Edge Lane. The church is St Cyprian's (which I'm told will not be knocked down). I believe a flyover is going to be built where the grand houses of Edge Lane once stood - I will continue to photograph the changes.

Somewhere in Liverpool

this was a grab shot - but where was it taken? I might explain in a future entry - meanwhile I'm claiming it as 'art'. Notice the 'halation' effect around the figure - that's arty isn't it?

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.