Port of Liverpool Building

Port of Liverpool Building (Mersey Docks and Harbour Board Offices). Built in 1904-1907. Pier Head. "Office building. 1907. Arnold Thornely. Portland stone. Basement and 5 storeys, 13 bays wide with canted corner bays, ll-bay returns. Rusticated basement ground and 1st floor window round-headed, 1st floors, and corner bays. 2nd, central and 12th bays break forward. Ground floor window round-headed, 1st floor windows in eared architraves. 2nd and 3rd floors recessed behind attached Ionic colonnade with entablature and central open pediment containing bulls eye and dolphins, at ends round open pediments containing attic window. 3rd floor window of 3 lights, with colonnettes supporting open segmental pediments, and balustraded balconies. 4th floor window of 3 lights with colonnettes, centre and end bays have Diocletian windows. Attic has round-headed window with projecting panelled blocks between. Entrance in tunnel-vaulted recess with keystone and pediment, flanked by statues on plinths with ships in cornucopias over. End octagonal towers with tall glazed drums and coupled Ionic columns supporting domes. Central dome on 2-stage drum. 1st stage with Ionic colonnade and 4 projecting aedicules containing niches, 2nd stage recessed behind balustrade. Copper dome surmounted by lantern with 4 aedicules and obelisk. Interior has full height octagonal hall with coffered dome. Round-arched openings to galleries with iron railings and solid balconies with lamp standards to alternate floors. Mosaic paving. 2 square stone piers opposite the entrance, with dentilled cornices and globes with gilded continents; 4 iron gates and gate piers". Grade II listed building. List entry Number: 1068223. Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage site. DSC_1007