Walker Art Gallery and Waterloo Column

The entrance to the famous Walker Art Gallery is on this side of the building is Opened in 1877, this incredible art gallery houses the second largest collection of artistic masterpieces outside London’s museums. This is all thanks to Sir Andrew Barclay Walker, a wealthy brewer and former Mayor of Liverpool, who founded the art gallery and donated it to the city. This striking neo-Gothic building was designed by two local architects. Next to the columns at the entrance, you can see a frieze carved in stone depicting the Queen of England in her carriage with her entire escort. At the top of the building, you can admire the dazzling white statue of the Spirit of Liverpool accompanied by its devoted Liver Bird, the mythical bird emblematic of the city. The Wellington Column, commemorating the Battle of Waterloo, stands on the other side. For the French, it was a defeat that led to Napoleon’s second abdication, but for the allied forces, i.e. the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Prussia and other neighbouring duchies, it was a major decisive victory that would henceforth be known as the Victory of the Belle Alliance. The Wellington Column is Grade II listed as part of the city’s heritage and is a reminder of the achievements of the Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon. He was Commander-in-Chief of the Army and even British Prime Minister. The statue is made from the cast bronze of cannons captured during the battle. What a symbol!