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Liverpool Capital of Culture (UK)

ColinT
2005-04-24 10:23:28

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axis, combining the scale of a Roman bath with the delicacy of a Greek temple.

Beneath Liverpool's architectural facade however, beats the city's heart. The Capital of Culture accolade was awarded not just because of the mercantile past, but because Liverpool remains a thriving cultural centre. During my visit to Walker Art Gallery, the national gallery of the North, a visitor proudly informed me that it houses one of the most comprehensive collection of art outside of London. Visual treats include Rossetti's Dante's Dream, Millais' Lorenzo & Isabella and Holman Hunt's The Awakening Conscience. Other classic Victoriana include Lord Leighton's Perseus & Andromeda and WF Yeames' And When Did You last See Your Father? The gallery also has an important collection of Italian, Flemish and Impressionist artworks. As if to underline its cultural role, Liverpool has more museums and art galleries than any other UK city outside London, and even hosts the Tate Liverpool, which is the home of the national collection of modern art in the north of England and the largest gallery of modern art outside London.

Culture is more than galleries and museums however. It's a living thing. Out of all Britain's provincial cities, Liverpool is generally recognised as possessing the strongest sense of self-identity, reflected in the people's down to earth attitude and the many achievements and events it gives rise to. The city is in the Guinness Book of Records for being the Capital of Pop because more artists with a Liverpool origin have had a number one hit, than from any other location in the world. It seems quite natural therefore that the annual three-day Mathew Street Music Festival in August is the biggest free city centre music festival in Europe, and one of the most prestigious. It takes place in over 50 city centre venues and on five large outdoor stages, which cater for an audience of over 100,000 ...