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The Royal Liver Building

Designer: W Aubrey Thomas
Built: 1908 - 1911
Location: Pierhead

Erected in 1908-11, the Liver Building is W Aubrey Thomas's main work. This massive structure is without counterpart in England and is one of the earliest examples of multi-storey reinforced concrete construction in the UK and the world. This form of construction, along with the development of the steel frame went on to make possible the development of skyscrapers. Not that this can be seen from the exterior. The side elevations are reminiscent of HH Richardson's work in Chicago, yet other elevations are more eclectic in style from The sculptural domed clock towers are topped with the mythical Liver Birds. These were won in a competition by a German sculptor, Carl Bernard Bartels who had settled in England at the turn of the century. It is ironic that so little is known about the creator of such a potent symbol of city. It would appear that all references to his achievements were removed in a fit of xenophobia at the outbreak of the first World War.

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Top left: The Liver Building seen from St Johns Tower.
Top right: The main tower of the Liver Building.
Bottom left: The restored lobby area.
Bottom right: The Liver Building seen from the Mersey Ferry.


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