Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool cathedral
The Liverpool skyline is dominated by two cathedrals. The Anglican cathedral designed by Giles Gilbert Scott eclipses the modern design of the Catholic cathedral a short distance away. This may be partly due to its position on St James’ Mount which overlooks the city and the river Mersey. Perhaps also the Gothic revival style of the building plus the fact that it is the largest Cathedral in Britain assures its dominance of the skyline.
During the early 1980’s the cathedral was surrounded by urban dereliction. As I photographed inner city Liverpool at this time the building became an anchor for many shots. The juxtaposition of the imposing Gothic structure against acres of urban decay provided an irresistably surreal composition for the photographer.
Today the landscape around the cathedral has completely changed following various regeneration schemes.
For me the relationship of Scotts iconic design with the old Liverpool captured here had a special resonance which has now disappeared.
The images of Liverpool are so powerful presenting the reality of the city…they always strike me! While there has been massive regeneration and the city has moved to the 21st Century, the sad reality is that there are still pockets in the city like this. The photographs are historical documents!
the boy in the picture looks like paul donnohue or kieron smith went to st patricks.