The City Watch

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THE CITY WATCH

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LIME STREET STATION LIVERPOOL

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Welcome back to the third edition from Theimagebanks.

This issue follows on from previous publications and focuses on famous building and special landmarks.

In this particular issue I selected Liverpool and London, because both cities have their own special brand of individualism. And both have inspirational buildings which I hope you like.

The pictures I have selected do reflect the strong and bold texture and permanence of each structure. The use of classic columns and the Roman and Greek fascias reflect the imperialism and commonality they both share. Also this was used extensively throughout the Western World and links all our major cities with a common bond.

THE OLD CLOCK

One of the most popular locations in London is Trafalgar Square. Nelson column and the National Galleries are a must see when you visit the capital, but for me the building that stood out was St Martin-in-the Fields.

This building is impressive enough and there has been a church on this site since 1222 and was the first free lending library in London. The focus for me was the clock with it’s Roman face over looking the square like a sentinel on guard duty.

ON GUARD

The entrance to Horse Guards with its iron gates and arch ways are complimented by the Victorian style lamps This picture catches the busy street of Whitehall with tourists and the London red buses.

And yet the single Horse Guard at his station in full ceremonial dress looked imposing. Both horse and rider as one looked ready to bolt into action if required.

THE DOCKS

The olds Victorian docks was opened in 1846 and was the first of its kind in Britain. These days they are now a focus point in the ever day life in Liverpool. Many tourist visit the site and in this picture you can see the original red cranes they used to lift cargo from the quay side. Nowadays the entire complex is connected to Pier Head and this picture for me says it all.

Liverpool is and has always been an International City, with World Heritage status just like London.

So as the visitors mingled around the entrance this image says “Welcome to Liverpool�.

THE BIG EYE

The London Eye next to the old County Hall is another tourist attraction that pulls in the crowds, but the Thames was a hive of activity that day with pleasure boats navigating up and down the river..

This picture was taken from Westminster Bridge and on the right is the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The sheer size of the London Eye is impressive and yet it doesn’t seem out of place with the Southbank Centre nestled near by.

The picture reflects the importance of the river even today and as it was in the distant past, so similar to the river Mersey.

THE BABY EYE

Although not as big the London Eye this one in Liverpool it does tower over the Albert Dock complex and it is quite large.

The views are truly amazing and what motivated me to take the shot was it’s location next to the new Echo Arena overlooking the River Mersey.

So for me it brings another dimension to the entire area and the city as a whole .

DOWN BY THE RIVER From Westminster Pier straight down to the Embankment pleasure boats gather to take tourist on the daily boat trips. The Thames seems to narrow but in fact it’s natural banks were reclaimed.

This picture reflects the diversity of the traffic on the river and shows nothing is still for long and illustrates the importance of tourism.

VIVE LA FRANCE

On the vacant fourth plinth of the National Galleries in London stands a giant blue cockerel by the German artist Katharina Fritsch. On loan for 18 months and controversial or not, this unique statue adds more international enrichment to Trafalgar square.

I wasn’t expecting to see it and in some ways it is similar to the iron men statues by Sir Anthony Gormley on Crosby beach. No doubt it might become a permanent fixture just like they have.

THE IRON DUKE

Liverpool has greater number of public sculptures than any other city in the UK, aside from Westminster in London.

This single Doric column was dedicate to the Duke of Wellington another national hero, just like Lord Nelson.

It was built in 1863 supposedly from the captured French cannons after the final deciding battle of Waterloo in 1815. It can be found near St Georges Hall and the Walker Art Gallery and for me it represents another tribute by the city of Liverpool to great war hero.

A NATION OF HEROES

This picture needs no introductions and I decided to apply a blue filter to bring in that nautical theme. Yet, what I did observed was that Nelson’s statues is facing Whitehall, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and not Buckingham palace.

The square was built in 1812 on the Great Mews stabling which served the Whitehall Palace and in 1830 it was officially name Trafalgar Square.

The column was erected in 1845 and the bronze lions on guard were set in placed in 1867.

A ROMAN TEMPLE

This picture taken from the newly refurbished steps of Liverpool Lime Street shows St Georges Hall in its glory.

It was commenced in 1841 and completed on 1854 so this picture shows off human activity in the street and as the numerous columns of the Hall.

The sharp outline clearly shows off the Neoclassical architecture. And comparing London to Liverpool both cities had such bold and costly monuments ongoing and even at the same time.

THE AGE OF MODERNISM

With a spare Cathedral to share this usual shape was not the originally design and in fact the plans were not dissimilar from the Anglican Cathedral.

What makes this Cathedral so special is how it departs away from the Neoclassical style.

From the ashes of World War Two a new brave world was emerging and for me this represents Liverpool future aspirations.

This Gothic revival with a modern twist was commenced in 1962 and completed within five years. Also the tall stained glass tower is truly illuminating once you’re inside.

LIVERPOOL & LONDON Finally, this is just a small montage of the many that were taken.

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