Liverpool Resurgent facts for kids

Liverpool Resurgent is a famous artwork by Jacob Epstein. You can find it above the main entrance of the old Lewis's department store building in Ranelagh Street, Liverpool. This artwork includes a large bronze statue and three special panels with carvings.

The building where the artwork is located was built for Lewis's in 1947. It was designed by Gerald de Courcy Fraser. He also designed the earlier Lewis's store from the 1920s, which was sadly destroyed during World War II bombings.

What is the Liverpool Resurgent Statue?

The main part of the artwork is a huge bronze statue, about 18 feet (5.5 m) tall. It stands proudly on a special porch above the entrance. The statue shows a man standing on a base shaped like the front of a ship. This ship-like base sticks out from the building. The man has his left arm stretched out and his right arm raised, as if he is calling out or signaling.

What Does the Statue Symbolize?

This statue is a symbol of Liverpool's strong comeback after the war. It shows the city rising again, full of hope and new life. Locals in Liverpool have given the statue friendly nicknames like "Nobby Lewis" or "Dickie Lewis."

What are the Relief Panels?

Below the main statue, there is a modern entrance area made of Portland stone. It has four large square columns that go up three floors. These columns frame three entrance doors. Above each door, there is a special panel made of a material called ciment fondu. These panels were also created by Epstein and were put in place in 1955.

What Do the Panels Show?

The panels represent the new generation of children who would benefit from the city being rebuilt after the war.

• One panel shows children playing.
• Another panel shows a baby in a pram next to a dog.
• The third panel shows children fighting in a playful way.

Epstein used his own children and grandchildren as models for the children in these carvings.

When Was Liverpool Resurgent Unveiled?

The artwork was officially shown to the public on November 20, 1956. This event celebrated two important things:

• The 100th birthday of the Lewis's store.
• The completion of the store's rebuilding work after the war.

The statue quickly became a popular meeting spot for people in Liverpool. It was even mentioned in a famous 1962 song called "In My Liverpool Home" by Peter McGovern:

We speak with an accent exceedingly rare,
Meet under a statue exceedingly bare

What Happened to the Lewis's Building?

The Lewis's store closed its doors in 2007. The building is now being redeveloped into a new area called Central Village. This new space will have shops, a hotel, and a gym. The building is also a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.

Images for kids

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  The former Lewis's department store building in Liverpool.

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  The Liverpool Resurgent statue by Jacob Epstein.

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  A closer look at the Liverpool Resurgent statue.

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  One of the relief panels below the statue.