Reflections of Liverpool

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”

— John Lennon

A friendly rivalry exists been Liverpudlians (from Liverpool) and Mancunians (from Manchester). Think Liverpool FC v Manchester United. The Beatles v Oasis. Scouse v Hotpot. And so the list goes on... But the rivalry between theses two neighbouring cities has roots going back to Victorian times - to industrialisation and in particular the building of the Manchester Ship Canal from the River Mersey and feuding merchants. I've visited and photographed the Manchester end of the waterway at Salford Quays and Media City many times. Despite being a Mancunian, I love to 'cross the border' to visit the city of Liverpool. I'm always drawn to docklands area and historical industrial warehouses and so Albert Dock on the River Mersey is a perfect destination.

Albert Dock Liverpool

It hasn't always been picture-perfect though. WW2 bomb damage and, over the following decades, a dramatic decline in industry and trading to the late 1970s left this area a grim desolate and sewage-filled wasteland. It was a dismal no-go area. The area had such a bleak feel to it.

Albert Dock Liverpool

In the early 1980s a life-line was thrown in the form of an ambitious and impressive regeneration programme. I think the futuristic new now sits comfortably with richly historic old.

I remember visiting here in the early days of the restoration. My memory is of buying contemporary black and white patterned buttons from from a little independent shop. At the time I was knitting a mohair cardigan. I wasn’t the best of knitters and my item had a rustic look to it!

Old and new buildings sit alongside each other.

The waterfront is lined with modern structures. An abundance of glass and strong lines. Can you see that the figure in the window gives a sense of perspective?

Museum of Liverpool

I'm always drawn to detail in reflections. I feel this, if I were to be labelled, may be one of my 'trademarks'. The big wheel looms high although I’ve not yet plucked up the courage to venture on here. The red brick warehouses and sheds have been spruced up.

Reflections in windows of the Museum of Liverpool

We Mancunians chuckled quietly to ourselves when Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture in 2008. Oh how very wrong we were to mock! I'm looking forward to the Transmitting Andy Warhol exhibition coming soon to the Tate Liverpool. It’ll be the ideal excuse to return.

Reflections of Albert Dock in the windows of the Museum of Liverpool

The River Mersey looks cold and murky but when the sun makes an appearance the crowds flock here to stroll along the promenade on the waterfront. The water is apparently the cleanest it’s been since the Industrial Revolution although I wouldn't dare take a dip in it!

Reflection of the waterfront in the windows of the Museum of Liverpool

I like the reflections here of old architecture on modern. The area is showcases prime examples of how good architectural design can sit comfortably beside the old.

Museum of Liverpool

Can you spot the two famous mythical Liver birds perched on the towers of the Liver Building? The legend goes that if these two birds were ever to fly away then the city of Liverpool would cease to exist. They're firmly fastened down!

The Liver Building on the waterfront, Liverpool

The Royal Liver building dates back to 1911 and was one of the first buildings in the world to be constructed from reinforced concrete. The elaborate squared building in the middle is the Cunard Building - a reminder of the significance of Liverpool as major port when our ancestors - mine included- bravely sailed away on the liners to new lives across the globe.

Reflection of the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool waterfront.

The Port of Liverpool Building, a stray traffic cone and an ominous 'One-Way' sign! This building is known as one of the Three Graces - together with the Liver Building and Cunard Building.

Reflection of The Port of Liverpool Building

The Beatles seem to be on every street corner in one form or another. And of course it’s a perfect excuse to stop for a cuppa!

Cafe on the waterfront at Liverpool

No photos of cake this time. I've been on a sugar detox for the last two weeks. I know, hard to believe isn't it?

I hope you liked my stroll around the waterfront in Liverpool. There is so much more to see but that will have to wait for another time. I really recommend a visit if you're ever passing by. There’s so much to see. And of course don't forget your camera - it’s a a very photogenic area!.

She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah!

I was a day tripper to Liverpool, home of the Beatles - a tourist and not Lennon's interpretation of a tripper ! My mum reckons my first words weren't 'mummy' or 'daddy' but "Yeah Yeah Yeah"from She Loves You. Proof that even toddlers weren't exempt from the influence of The Beatles in the sixties!

Aside from the obvious Beatles reminders everywhere, Liverpool is a fascinating city to visit. I wish I could transport you all there now with the wave of a wand - I know you'd love to explore. I remember Liverpool in the 1980s - a very low point for the city - high rates of unemployment, the council in debt and dominated by militants, areas of poverty and dereliction - and then the riots, the Hillsborough football stadium disaster and the shock of the killing of precious little Jamie Bulger in 1993. All of these events I remember vividly and with sadness. But over the last couple of decades or so the city has been transformed by huge investment and regeneration. Don't get me wrong, there are still areas of inner-city depravation here but generally there's a sense of optimism. If, like me, you enjoy history, music, galleries and museums, architecture, shopping, people-watching in dockside cafes then Liverpool has to be on your list of cities to visit.

And amongst all the delights I just mentioned, I unexpectedly came across a boat restoration in Albert Dock. Well you know I can't resist a restoration project so although I plan on blogging about Liverpool city next week, I wanted to give you a taster of one of my discoveries!

So…. I was casually strolling around the vast restored dockland warehouse area when I spotted a rickety looking boat - it turned out to be a historic steam powered tug-tender.

I peered over the railings and noticed shadows of people on deck. Being curious and noting the free admission of course I had to take a closer look!

The Daniel Adamson was originally built in 1903 for the Shropshire Union Canal and Railway Company.

In 2004 the boat was on the verge of being scrapped but was rescued at the very last minute. This is the only surviving tug-tender in the Uk and so is of historic significance.

The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society bought the vessel for a token £1 and a lengthy restoration project began. The tug is being lovingly restored by a team of volunteer enthusiasts.

Although it would appear that there's still plenty of work to be completed, it's clear that significant progress has already been made.

It was interesting to see the fabric of the vessel. Although most of the original wood had been stripped away, enough snippets remained for the colours to be rematched. In the 1930's the salons had been re-fitted in a lavish Art Deco style. It would've been in a similar style to the great liners of the time but on a much smaller scale.

A paradise for lovers of rust!

The boat was moved from the dry dock to the current location in Albert Dock earlier this year. It's due to be moved to to shipbuilders Cammell Laird for the engine to be fitted.

I don't have the best sea legs - even on still water in a dock - but I felt slightly uneasy on board!

And so the plan is to complete the restoration of the S.T. Daniel Adamson to her former glory within the next 18 months. This will be the oldest Mersey built steam vessel operating in the world.

How exciting! I can't wait to see the finished result and report back!