projects
Liverpool Central Library
Standing in the heart of the City of Liverpool, standing between the World Museum and The Walker Art Gallery as the centrepiece of a triumvirate of architectural magnificence, the Central Library has played host to millions of visitors, from venerable academics, to those first embarking on their love of literature (some of the latter becoming the former in time). Lost Art were therefore delighted to be invited to take part in the restoration and refitting of such an iconic element of the Merseyside skyline. For the most part, our work was focussed on the cast and wrought iron gates surrounding the building, although we did contribute to its fabric, with restored and reproduced balcony panels and skylight frames. Each visit to the area still brings us a glow of pride.
Liverpool Central Library comprises several buildings in the historic William Brown Street in the Victorian heart of Liverpool, surrounded by other iconic buildings, The Liverpool World Museum, The Walker Art Gallery and St George’s Hall. Dating from the 1860s and with other buildings added over the following decades, along with the museum and the art gallery, the magnificent building has served the people of the city well.
Between 2010 and 2013, the main building underwent an enormous transformation, maintaining the original exterior but being hugely remodelled within to provide a fully 21st Century facility.
In keeping with the need to maintain many of the delightful heritage aspects of the building and its surrounds, Lost Art Limited were asked to repair and restore several of the cast iron gates that herald many of the entrances to and passages within the library grounds.
As is often the case, the gates were in a dilapidated state, with broken and missing sections and components throughout as well as general rusting and lack of care.
Fully restored and returned to their rightful place they provide fitting portals to a place of great learning and great ideas that have literally helped shape the history of the nation.
In addition to the work on the gates, Lost Art were also able to produce replacement castings for the crestings that adorn the roof area of the circular reading room building and known as the Picton Crown.
Additionally, we were asked to produce replacements for the substantial castings that form the basis of the roof lights. These have now been installed and help maintain the entrance of natural light that creates the special ambience that exists within the book-lined heart of the library.