LIVERPOOL, UK.-Liverpool’s fascinating emergence as a modern city is on display in Metropolis: Capturing Modern Liverpool at the National Conservation Centre from 21 March to 10 August 2008.

Featuring over 60 images from the archives of Stewart Bale Ltd, a photographic practice based in Liverpool, the display spans a period of great change for the city. Taken between the 1930s and 1970s the evocative photographs give a remarkable insight into landmark buildings, cutting edge developments, great events and city life.

Monumental in scale and beautifully composed, the photographs reflect a Victorian city embracing modernity and industrialisation and are of particular resonance as Liverpool enters its Capital of Culture year, 2008, during a time of massive regeneration.


Curator of photographic archives Anne Gleave said: ‘Stewart Bale Ltd created a legacy of major importance, combining outstanding craftsmanship with a unique record of Liverpool’s changing face during a significant period of social and industrial change and development.

The photographs can be read as a visual record of their client’s aspirations and achievements towards modernisation and advancement within the city, whether it be the latest interior of a self service shop or a major engineering feat such as the Queensway Mersey tunnel. The images are visually strong and look back to positive aspects of Liverpool’s more recent history’.

Highlights include: Images of stunning architectural projects such as the Georges Dock building, Liverpool’s cathedrals and Martins Bank. Rare views of groundbreaking engineering projects such as the Queensway Mersey tunnel and Overhead Railway. Detailed scenes of great city events such as the launch of Mauretania II. A collection of fascinating scenes showing people at work. Photographs of Meccano Ltd and Ford’s factory show Liverpool as a powerful industrial hub. Beautiful shots of Liverpool attractions such as the Abbey Cinema and New Brighton Baths.