Liverpool’s most iconic buildings: The Royal Liver Building

Liverpool is a city renowned for its historic architecture, from the beloved One of the major features of this forms part of the city's Three Graces.

Transcript

00:00Standing tall at the city's waterfront, the Royal Ivor building has been a symbol of Liverpool's

00:05maritime heritage and its importance as a global trading hub. But its story goes much

00:10deeper than just its imposing presence. With its famous Ivor birds perched on top and the

00:15distinctive clock towers, it's one of the most recognisable buildings in the entire

00:19city. But its story begins over a century ago in 1911 when construction was completed.

00:26The building was designed by architect Walter Aubrey Thomas, constructed as the headquarters

00:31for the Royal Ivor Group. Standing at an imposing 18-foot-tall, the Ivor birds which adorn the

00:37top of the building are actually made of copper, hence their iconic blue-green patina colour

00:43caused by oxidisation. Affectionately named Bella and Bertie, Bella looks to sea, watching

00:48for the sailors to return home safely, whilst Bertie keeps watch over the city. The famous

00:54Ivor birds have never actually existed in nature, having taken on a mythical history

00:59similar to the likes of the phoenix. Legend has it that if they were to ever fly away,

01:03the city would cease to exist. In total, there are four clock faces on the two towers. The

01:09clocks are the largest electronically driven clocks in the UK and were started on June

01:1422nd, 1911, to coincide with the exact moment of the coronation of King George V and were

01:20therefore proclaimed to be called the Great George Ivor Clocks. They were designed by

01:26Gent and Co, a company who created a waiting train movement mechanism for these clocks.

01:31Before they were officially set into the building in November 1910, one of the clock faces was

01:36used as the table for a banquet to celebrate the achievement of the construction. Dignitaries

01:41enjoyed a huge full-course meal. A copy of that menu served can be seen at the Ivor building.

01:47Judy the donkey was the guest of honour at the opening. The mayor wanted Judy to cut

01:52the ribbon, however, instead peanut butter was smeared on the ribbon and Judy chewed

01:57through it. Certainly a clever solution. Loved by the people of the city, Judy was a familiar

02:02figure in Princess Park, where she was adored by children who visited her. Today, RLB 360

02:09is the building's visitor experience, offering guided public tours of the grade one listed

02:14buildings, clock tower and 15th floor, unlocking incredible views across the river, docks and

02:21city beyond. The immersive audiovisual experience projected onto the walls of the clock tower

02:26brings the city's past to life, telling the story of Liverpool's recent history, exploring

02:30the building's significance and how a city full of culture, sport, history and music

02:34has made its mark across the world. Europe's first skyscraper, the Royal Ivor building

02:40stands at 322 feet tall. It was once the largest building in Liverpool. Its impressive

02:47size symbolises the city's wealth as the city was a major port during the 19th and

02:52early 20th centuries. It was a centre of trade, emigration and of course, the transatlantic

02:57slave trade.