Wednesday 31 March 2010

March 31st 2010 - Gatehouse
Bitterly cold day to end March. Spring seems late this year, these daffodils in Sefton Park's Field of Hope are usually in full bloom by now. Seen in the foreground of this shot, they are barely open. I thought the Gatehouse (now a nursery) peering over the hedge, looked like something from Hansel and Gretel.
'March, master of winds, bright minstrel and marshal of storms that enkindle the season they smite.' March photographs which did not make the blog will be added to the slideshow.

Tuesday 30 March 2010

March 30th 2010 - Barry - Penny Lane Barbers
'In Penny Lane there is barber'... having his photograph taken.
I stopped to 'say hello' to Barry who owns the barbers on Penny Lane. He has been open for a couple of months and business has been good. Well worth a visit - the inside of the shop is decked out with photos of 'every head he's had the pleasure to have known', and plenty of Beatles memorabilia. A really friendly barbers shop.

Monday 29 March 2010

March 29th 2010 - Working for the Lord
Walking past All Hallows Church today when I saw two men ascending the Church tower. At first I thought they were putting the hour forward on the clock... but it turned out they were carrying out a few repairs to the masonary. One way to get closer to Heaven!

Sunday 28 March 2010

March 28th 2010 - Chinese State Circus
The annual 'Big Top' has come to Sefton Park and this year it is the turn of the Chinese State Circus. I went to see them perform last year and it is worth going to witness the 'Motorcycle Ball of Death' alone! Amazing, it defies belief. The photograph shows it is not all fame and fortune in show business...the washing still needs to be done!

Saturday 27 March 2010

March 27th 2010 - Earth Hour
I travelled over to the other side (Birkenhead) to take a photograph of Liverpool in the dark. Today was 'Earth Hour', where everyone was encouraged to turn off all uneccessary lights to help in the quest to save the earth from global warming. Some people remembered (Well done to the Anglican Cathedral) but then again...it appears some didn't...oh well.

Friday 26 March 2010

March 27th 2010 - Old Nick's Caves
A strange day weather-wise in Liverpool - so I sought out a 'strange' location...Sefton Park's own grotto, an artifical cave known also as Old Nick's Caves, built around 1870 by French rockwork specialist, M. Combaz. Over the past few years the park has undergone renovation work, and the caves were included, with the addition of a fountain, stepping stones, and reflective mirror pond. As a child, my wife recalls being able to venture inside and explore these mysterious caves, but they have been fenced off for 'safety reasons' for some time now. There are many ghost stories about these caves, I shall save them for the week of Halloween.
March 25th 2010 - St. Anne's School, Stanley
One of, if not the, oldest primary school building left in Liverpool, St. Anne's (Stanley) has been educating the children of Stanley and the surrounding areas since 1914. The school is linked with nearby St. Anne's Cof E Church, built when Stanley was but a tiny rural village between the hamlets of Old Swan and Stoneycroft in the 1830's. These districts still exist, Stanley being one of the smallest (and least 'well known') districts in the city. The church and the school play an important role in the community and residents are rightly proud of both - the school received 'Outstanding' in their recent Ofsted inspection, the first Liverpool school to gain '1' in every inspection area.

Wednesday 24 March 2010

March 24th 2010 - Dickie Lewis
The sad news was announced last week that Lewis's Department Store is to close in June. I took this photograph tonight which shows the iconic figure of 'Dickie Lewis' who has greeted locals and vistors to the city for more than 50 years (although Lewis has been trading for 150 years.) Offically called 'Liverpool Resurgent', the statue was unvieled by Lord Woolton in 1956, and represents the rebirth of Liverpool after the Second World War. The bronze, which stands above the main entrance on Ranelagh Street, was created by American sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein (1880-1959). At the unveiling hundreds of people travelled on the top of buses to get a better view! A famous meeting point, it is said that John Lennon used to meet Cynthia here, and to this day many courting couples continue to meet under 'Dickie' as can be seen in the photograph - one of Liverpool's best loved landmarks.

Tuesday 23 March 2010

March 23rd 2010 - LIPA
The building in the background of this photograph is part of LIPA - Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts, or Paul McCartney's 'Fame' School, as it is often affectionately known. Macca, of Beatles fame, returned a few years back to save his crumbling old secondary school, The Liverpool Institute, and turn it into a prestigious school for performing arts. It now has university status and offers degree courses in music, theatre and dance studies. Competition for places is fierce, with thousands of talented students auditioning from across the globe for a place. In the foreground is part of one of my favourite pieces of public art, 'A Case History', or 'Suitcases' by John King, a collection of 27 concrete casts of cases, all with luggage labels bearing the names of famous Liverpudlians/those with a connection to the city. The guitar case shown here is based on Paul McCartney's case. A great place to sit, climb and ponder those who have passed through this great city
March 22nd 2010 - Question on the Wall
Out-staying the proposed few months this artwork was intended for, the graffiti slogan by Stockholm artists collective A-APE, produced as part of the 08 Liverpool Biennial, remains on the University of Liverpool's Sports Hall - prompting all to consider the answer. The work was part of One Year in Liverpool, a branch of the Visible Virals project, where such art was designed to infiltrate public spaces. The question was designed to tie in with the spirit of aspiration linked to Higher Education, but I feel the smaller question higher up the wall - '253 babies are born every minute worldwide' makes the second question even more thought provoking...

Sunday 21 March 2010

March 21st - Sports Relief Mile Run
A beautiful spring morning as the runners gathered by the Echo Arena for this year's Sports Relief sponsored mile. This charitable run was well supported and a real sense of fun and togetherness made it an enjoyable atomosphere. Well done everyone who took part! Liverpool has always been renowned for its generosity when it comes to giving to others, and today was no different.

Saturday 20 March 2010

March 20th 2010 - Bishop David Sheppard
A wet and miserable day in Liverpool today, as can be seen by the raindrops dripping from the statue of the late Bishop of Liverpool, David Sheppard. This fine sculpture, situated mid-way down Hope Street, is one half of a work by Stephen Broadbent, the other depicting the late Archbishop Derek Warlock. The commemorative sculpture was funded by public donation to celebrate the lives of these two influential men and to recognise their success in uniting the Roman Catholic and Protestant faiths in the city at a time in history when such unity wasn't always the case in other parts of the country. Both cathedrals can be viewed over the shoulders of the Bishop and Archbishop from the sculpture. Prior to his success as Bishop of Liverpool, David Sheppard enjoyed a different form of success as an England cricketer.
March 19th 2010 - Inspiration
This magnificent bronze sculpture of a pegasus, entitled 'Inspiration', by local artist Tony Evans, hovers midway from the wall of the Liverpool Community College Art School on the corner of Myrtle Street. Tony turned to sculpture late in life and has created a number of original metal pieces, often from recycled copper and bronze. This particular sculpture is ageing beautifully.

Thursday 18 March 2010

18th March 2010 - Childwall Five Ways
Confusion reigns here every week day morning and evening at Liverpool's busiest roundabout. 'The Five Ways' pub has recently been taken over by pub chain J.D Weatherspoon, so if you're looking for an exciting night out, grab a pint and a window seat and watch the road rage begin!

Wednesday 17 March 2010

March 17th 2010 - The Irish Centre and Metropolitan Cathedral
St. Patrick's Day today - always celebrated in style here in the city often termed 'Dublin's Back Garden' (as a tribute to our long standing links with Ireland and our large Irish community). Pictured here is the, now sadly disused, Irish Centre on Mount Pleasant. The circular ornate building, previously an assembly rooms, dates back almost 200 years and was used until the mid 1980's as a meeting place and cultural hub for the Irish community in Liverpool. A place where everyone was welcome, it was sadly missed when it closed its doors. Another Irish Centre has since opened, but the fate of this building remains undecided. Peering over the rooftop is the crown of the Metropolitan Cathedral, affectionately known locally as 'Paddy's Wigwam'.
March 16th 2010 - Kensington 'Regeneration'
Mixed feelings about the regeneration of Edge Lane in Kensington...whilst it has long been in need of some TLC, particularly as it is the major route into the city centre from the motorway, I wonder if it would not have been more beneficial for the local community in L7 and for the history of the area if some of the houses had been renovated rather than removed? My understanding is that the demolision of the vast majority of houses on this stretch of Edge Lane will enable the road to be widened. So, less traffic jams and a more 'looked after' appearance than at present, but more cars. I liked the faded advertisement for 'Famous Ales' painted on the end of this soon to be no-more row of terraces.

Monday 15 March 2010

March 15th 2010 - Victoria Building
The Victoria Building is the original University of Liverpool clock tower building. It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse and was opened in 1892. The building was also the inspiration for the phrase 'red brick university'. Victoria Building now houses a museum and gallery space and is open to the public, showcasing some of the University's many treasures.

Sunday 14 March 2010

March 14th 2010 - Mothering Sunday
`A Mother holds her children's hand for a moment, but their hearts forever'. Captured this scene on my way to photograph the Florence Nightingale memorial on Upper Parliament Street. I feel it sums up the simple message of Mothers' Day - worldwide love.

Saturday 13 March 2010

March 13th 2010 - Superlambanana
The original and best...Superlambanana, by artist Taro Chiezo, stands proud outside the John Moores University Avril Robarts Library - all 8 tons and 17 feet of her. Having relocated around the city centre on a number of occasions, this seems to be where she has come to rest. It's hard to believe that this iconic piece of Scouse public sculpture, which has sparked so many spin offs (such as the Go Superlambanas Trail in 2008) has been around for well over a decade. Having grown used to seeing the smaller versions at every turn, it was pleasantly surprising to come face to face with the 'big one' once again, even if she was in need of a lick of paint. Like the reflection of her banana tail in the glass.
March 12th 2010 - John Lewis Car Park
Who said a car park couldn't possibly be beautiful? This photograph shows the smooth lines of the new John Lewis car park at Liverpool One. Architecturally, very clever... the curved angled ramps which leave the side of the building at each level remind me of the old fashioned fairground helter skelter.

Thursday 11 March 2010

11th March 2010 - Penny Lane
Once again, the 11th of the month has sneaked up on us very quickly. A few changes to the graffiti. It was another beautiful sunny day in Liverpool; spring is definately here. Check out the 11th of February Penny Lane sign to see the difference.

Wednesday 10 March 2010

March 10th 2010 - Anglican Cathedral Bell Tower
A view of the bell tower from the inside of the Anglican Cathedral. The bell is the heaviest in the world and the circle in the centre of this image is the space through which it was originally hoisted and covered. From the cathedral floor to this point is 150 foot, however, the tower itself is a further 150 foot higher again. An unusual camera angle, right in the centre of the 'Great Space' that is the Anglican Cathedral.

Tuesday 9 March 2010

March 9th 2010 - The Outhouse
This piece of public art on Woolton Road, a stones throw from John Lennon's former home, 'Mendips', has mystified passers by for a few years now. Little is known about the strange glass box in the woodland at the side of the road, which glows red at night (and is now also home to a mini Lambanana). It is the work of artist Vong Phaophanit and is an interpretation of houses designed by Owen Ellis Partnership on an adjacent site. I liked the social context here - with the high rise housing, lights blazing, in the background.

Monday 8 March 2010


March 8th 2010 - The Women's Hospital
This hospital is the first trust in Liverpool to receive foundation status. An amalgamation of a number of women's health and maternity units in the city, the Liverpool Women's Hospital came into being in 1995. Today is International Women's Day, so it seemed fitting that I should photograph this pioneering women's health establishment in Liverpool...and as both of my children were born here, it has special memories for me too.

Sunday 7 March 2010

March 7th 2010 - Kites over the Mersey
A beautiful, sunny afternoon spent photographing the kites flying alongside the river down at Otterspool Promenade. The kite pictured is known as a Barley Twist and was mesmerising to watch, as it turned and went spinning through the sky.

Saturday 6 March 2010

March 6th 2010 - St Lukes 'Bombed Out Church'
Chinese New Year celebrations are over, yet the lanterns still hang in St. Lukes. The church is used as a backdrop by artists and musicians from Urban Strawberry Lunch for their annual community Chinese craft and sound work shops. St. Lukes was built in 1831 and was bombed during the May Blitz, 1941. Liverpool City Council purchased the land from the Church of England in 1968 and today it is maintained as a reminder of the Blitz and is a place of tranquility and rest.

Friday 5 March 2010

March 5th 2010 - Aintree Racecourse
Working in Aintree this week, I took the opportunity to find some green space to photograph at Aintree Racecourse. This image shows the nerve wracking sight that confronts jockeys as they approach the first fence during the world famous annual Grand National race. Although empty and desolate this afternoon, it was easy to imagine the thunder of hooves and shouts from the crowd that will fill the space in a few weeks time when the National gets under way.

March 4th 2010 - Vernons Pools
Liverpool is well known for its associations with the football pools, through Littlewoods and Vernons - established in 1925. This tower in Ormskirk Road, Aintree is all that remains of the Vernons Pools building. Alongside the original Vernons clock face, the signage for the Paradox dance club proclaims the later use of the site during the 1990's. A sorry sight, the battered and bruised tower lies empty, save for some mobile phone masts on the roof. Vernons had over a thousand employees working in the city, manually checking the weekly football coupons from this building.

Wednesday 3 March 2010

March 3rd 2010 - The Beatles In Concert
The 'fab four' in topiary concert at South Parkway railway station in Garston. Another freezing night in Liverpool , but with Ringo's head restored (chopped off by an upset Scouser after he spoke about the city in a less than favourable light on the Jonathan Ross chat show) The Beatles everlasting charm continues...

Tuesday 2 March 2010


March 2nd 2010 - Glasshouse
Another lovely Spring-like afternoon stroll in Calderstones Park. This photograph is a rear view of the glasshouse which is home to the ancient Calder Stones - thought to be part of a sandstone entrance to a burial chamber. Sadly, their home is in need of repair and the public can only catch a glimpse of these historic relics through the windows. I love the earthy brown tones in this image and the implied movement of the grasses blowing in the breeze in the foreground.

Monday 1 March 2010


March 1st 2010 - Spring Crocus
It felt like Spring had finally arrived this afternoon, heralded by this carpet of purple crocus in the dappled shade of the trees near the Coach House in Calderstones Park.