July 4th 2010 - Calderstones School (Quarry Bank)

Inspired by watching the film, 'Nowhere Boy' last night, which documents the teenage years of John Lennon, I wandered along to his old school, Quarry Bank, now named Calderstones School. Although he named his first band after the school, John was said to have frequently been in trouble whilst studying at Quarry Bank. My wife, an ex-pupil of the school when it was still Quarry Bank and during the period after it changed its name to Calderstones in the 1980's (as part of the school re-organisation programme), had a much more positive experience and loved her time there. She tells an amusing tale about the opening of the Beatles Museum. Word got out that curators had been told there was a desk at the school which John had carved his name into and they were keen to acquire for their collection. Over the days that followed just about every wooden desk in the school had 'John Lennon Woz 'Ere' etched into the surface! John Lennon was just one of many of the 'famous sons' of Quarry Bank; from politicians and actors, to the comedian Les Dennis! Calderstones is now one of the largest and most popular comprehensive schools in the city. Set in stunning surroundings, this photograph shows the original Quarry Bank wing, a sandstone listed building, formerly the home of John Bland, a wealthy Liverpool timber merchant.

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.

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.

January 26th 2010 - Strawberry Fields Forever?

Yet another Beatles landmark...the song, Strawberry Fields, was written by John Lennon about a children's home near his Aunt Mimi's house, 'Mendips', where he too lived. He would spend his days as a child playing in the grounds of the children's home. The original Strawberry Fields building was demolished some time ago and replaced by a more modern structure. It continued to be used as a children's home until more recent years. It now stands empty, the grounds overgrown. Still, many come from across the globe to pay homage. The bright red gates are painted by a fan from outside the city who travels to carry out the deed once every year.