The Oratory, Liverpool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Oratory |
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The Oratory
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| Location | Liverpool, England |
| OS grid reference | SJ 354 895 |
| Built | 1829 |
| Restored by | = |
| Architect | John Foster |
| Architectural style(s) | Greek Revival |
| Governing body | National Museums Liverpool |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 28 June 1952 |
| Reference no. | 1063282 |
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The Oratory is a special building located in Liverpool, England. It stands just north of the impressive Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. This building was originally a chapel where funeral services were held before people were buried in the nearby St James Cemetery.
Today, The Oratory is home to a cool collection of sculptures and important funeral monuments from the 1800s. These artworks are now part of the Walker Art Gallery. The Oratory is a very important historical building, known as a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic places in England and is protected.
History of The Oratory
The Oratory was built a long time ago, in 1829. Its main purpose was to host funeral services for people who were going to be buried in the cemetery next door. A famous architect named John Foster designed it.
After the cemetery closed, the building wasn't used for a while. But in 1986, it was taken care of by National Museums Liverpool. Now, it's a place where you can see many beautiful sculptures and statues. It's like a mini-museum!
Architecture and Design
The Oratory looks like an ancient Greek temple. It follows a style called Doric, which means it has strong, simple columns. At both ends of the building, there's a portico. This is a porch-like entrance with six tall columns.
You won't find any windows in The Oratory. Instead, light comes in from above, making the inside feel very unique. Inside, the ceiling has a special pattern called "coffered," and it's held up by Ionic columns. These columns are a bit more decorative than the ones outside.
Many experts believe this building is one of Foster's best designs that still stands today. Because it's so special, it was named a Grade I listed building on June 28, 1952. It's even called "one of the purest monuments of the Greek Revival in England." This means it's a perfect example of buildings that copied ancient Greek styles. Around The Oratory, you can also see old cast iron railings and gate posts. These are also protected as Grade II listed structures.
Collection of Sculptures
Inside The Oratory, you'll find a fascinating collection of monuments. Most of these are Neoclassical reliefs. A relief is a type of sculpture where the figures are carved into a flat surface, so they stick out but aren't fully 3D. Many of these artworks were moved here in the 1980s from other buildings that were being torn down.
Some of the cool pieces you can see include:
- A monument from 1834 for the Nicholson family, made by Francis Chantrey.
- A sculpture for William Earle, who died in 1839, created by John Gibson.
- A piece for Dr William Stevenson (died 1853) by J. A. P. Macbride.
- Another work by Gibson for William Hammerton, who passed away in 1832.
- A sculpture for William Ewart (died 1823) by Joseph Gott.
- A monument for Emily Robinson (died 1829), also by Gibson.
- A sculpture for Agnes Jones, who died in 1868, made by Pietro Tenerani.
You can also see a statue of William Huskisson by Gibson. This statue used to be in the Custom House.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Liverpool
- Grade I listed churches in Merseyside
- List of public art in Liverpool
- Architecture of Liverpool
