June 3rd 2010 - 'Streaky Bacon Building'

This grade II listed building was constructed between 1896 and 1898, designed by architects Richard Norman Shaw and J. Francis Doyle. It was built for the Ismrie Shipping Company, which later became the White Star Line. Offically known as Albion House I think the most fascinating fact about the building is that when the news about the Titanic sinking in 1912 reached the offices, the White Star officials read the the names of the dead from the balcony (pictured) to hundreds of anxious relatives below.

April 3rd 2010 - Philharmonic Hall

Today is my brother's birthday and one of his favourite places to visit when he comes to Liverpool is the Philharmonic Hall. The Hall is situated on Hope Street and is the home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. It is not the original concert hall - its predecessor was destroyed by a fire in 1933 having been built in 1849. The present Hall was opened in 1939. Herbert J Rouse was commissioned to design the new hall and his design was in the art deco style. It was offically opened by Sir Thomas Beecham on June 19th 1939. Local violinist, John Frederick Clarke who was part of the famed RMS Titanic orchestra, alongside other band members who died during the ships 1912 sinking are all commemorated on a plaque within the hall. I captured this shot as a cellist crossed the road on his way to rehearsal.

Happy Birthday Marco!