Liverpool Victorian Pub Gets Grade I Listing
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on the advice of Historic England, has awarded Grade I historic building status to The Philharmonic Dining Rooms in Liverpool, reports World Architecture News.
The Philharmonic, regarded as a ‘cathedral among pubs’ for its opulence, was completed towards the end of the 19th century, the ‘golden age’ of pub building. It now ranks with Buckingham Palace, Chatsworth House and Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ in the top 2.5 per cent of protected historic buildings in England.
A list of pubs was proposed by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub Heritage Group, as part of a collaboration between CAMRA and Historic England to protect historic pubs and their interiors.
Paul Ainsworth, Chairman of CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group, said: “So few of England's 40,500 pubs retain interiors which have not suffered major alterations over the years. CAMRA has identified 280 pubs whose interiors it considers to be of national historic importance, and we feel it is vital for these precious survivors to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
“The majority of these pubs are listed and the new detailed listing descriptions will enhance their protected status and give the public more information about the delights they contain.”
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms was first awarded Grade II* back in 1966, then known for its opulent interior, including rich work in copper, mahogany, plaster and glass. The gentlemen's toilet also survives from its original Victorian design and features high-quality decoration.
The exterior features elaborate carvings, Art Nouveau elements including metal gates by the architect and designer Henry Bloomfield Bare, and stone sculptures of musicians and musical instruments in low relief.
Built from 1898 to 1900 in an exuberant freestyle, it has become an iconic landmark in Liverpool, and a striking example of Victorian architecture in the city centre. It was awarded its upgrade to Grade I for its incredible architectural quality and amazing interiors.
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