Classical Liverpool: an inside story explains and illustrates the glories of the Classical
tradition inside Liverpool’s buildings. Like its predecessor, Classical Liverpool: language,
sculpture and architecture, it includes Latin and Greek inscriptions, sculptural relief and
architectural design. But an interior can afford to be more colourful and detailed than the
exterior: St George’s Great Hall for example contains a wealth of Classical symbolism and
allusion that expresses the aspirations and ideals of theVictorian era. Coloured illustrations
and a detailed explanation are given of this, including the tiled floor, not often open to view.
In addition, the paintings of the Walker Art Gallery and the Greek vases in the World
Museum add an extra dimension to Liverpool’s Classical scene, and these bring to life the
myths, legends and history of the Greco-Roman world. Most of the interiors are accessible
and well known like the Port of Liverpool, India and Cunard Buildings, theVictoria Gallery,
Martins Bank, and the Picton Library; some are hidden gems like theVines and Philharmonic Hotels; others have restricted access such as the Philharmonic Hall and the Hornby Library; a few are not open to the public like the Athenaeum, the Medical Institution and the Oratory. However, each chosen interior is illustrated in colour so that the riches of Liverpool’s Classical inside story can be fully understood and appreciated.
A5 108pp rrp £8 Copies can be bought from any good bookshop or hhollinghurst@btinternet.com
Published 2011 by the Liverpool History Society
ISBN-10: 0955942829
ISBN-13: 978-0955942822
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0955942829/
Hugh Hollinghurst 