Empire Theatre & Walker Art Gallery Liverpool

Images of Britain: Empire Theatre & Walker Art Gallery

Empire Theatre, Liverpool, England, UK. — Empire Theatre, Liverpool

The Empire Theatre in Liverpool near Lime Street Station and St George's Hall dates originally from 1866 when it was known as the 'The Prince of Wales Theatre and Opera House'. However, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1925.

The architecture features both neoclassical and Art Deco elements and a Portland stone façade. The theatre is the largest two-tier theatre in the UK, seating 2,348 people.

Inside, the theatre boasts a luxurious design with ornate plasterwork, plush seating, and a grand chandelier. It hosts a wide array of performances, including West End musicals, drama, opera, ballet, concerts, and comedy shows.

Both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones performed here in the 1960s.

Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, UK. — Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the largest art collections in England outside London.

The collection dates back to the early 19th century and has grown considerably since.

The present building is named after its founding benefactor, Sir Andrew Barclay Walker (1824-1893), a former mayor of Liverpool and rich Scottish brewery magnate. The neoclassical building opened in 1877 with extensions added in 1884 and 1933.

The collections include Renaissance and Baroque art from the 14th to the 17th centuries, Dutch and Flemish Masters including works by Rubens and van Dyck and British art from the 18th and 19th centuries, including Gainsborough, Hogarth and Rossetti.

In addition, the Modern and Contemporary section features art by Lucian Freud, David Hockney, Bridget Riley, Jacob Epstein and Henry Moore.