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Foundation ceremony, Liverpool EPW045203
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Foundation ceremony, Liverpool EPW045203
Chairs laid out for guests at the laying of the foundation stone for Edwin Lutyens Roman Catholic Cathedral for Liverpool, June 1933. This site, Brownlow Hill, had been purchased in 1930 and Lutyens design proposed the second largest church in the world with the worlds largest dome. However after the crypt was completed financial restrictions meant the remainder of the design was never built. The new cathedral, designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, was built adjacent to the crypt and was finally consecrated in 1967. Aerofilms Collection (see Links)
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Media ID 1477303
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, taken in June 1933, we witness the foundation ceremony for Edwin Lutyens' proposed Roman Catholic Cathedral in Liverpool. The meticulously arranged chairs for the esteemed guests, set against the lush, verdant landscape, exude an air of grandeur and anticipation. This significant event marked the beginning of what was intended to be the second largest church in the world, with the largest dome, on Brownlow Hill. The acquisition of this site, which had taken place in 1930, was the realization of a long-held dream for the Liverpool Catholic community. Lutyens' design, inspired by the grandeur of ancient Roman and Byzantine architecture, promised to be a magnificent structure that would stand as a testament to the faith and resilience of the community. However, financial constraints brought about by the economic downturn of the 1930s meant that only the crypt was completed. Despite the unfulfilled vision, the crypt, with its intricate stonework and soaring arches, remains a remarkable architectural achievement. The photograph, captured from an aerial perspective, offers a unique vantage point, revealing the expansive scale of the site and the meticulous planning that went into the foundation ceremony. It is a poignant reminder of the aspirations and challenges that accompanied the construction of this grand edifice, which, in its final form, was completed adjacent to the crypt by Sir Frederick Gibberd in 1967. This photograph, part of the extensive Aerofilms Collection held by Historic England, offers a glimpse into Liverpool's architectural history and the enduring legacy of Lutyens' design.
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