Prince Edward visits historic building where April Rose Illustration and publishers Hype Associates have offices
At the end of June HRH The Earl of Wessex (Prince Edward) visited The Bluecoat Art Gallery and Studios in Liverpool which is celebrating its 300 year anniversary this year. The building is the best example of a Queen Anne style building in the UK and is the oldest building in Liverpool.
The building was originally a school built in 1717. It was taken over by a group of artists in 1907 and bought by them outright after 20 years of fundraising. Siobhan Harrison, illustrator for April Rose has a studio overlooking the central courtyard garden where she hand paints water colour illustrations for her greeting card and gift ranges. Publisher, Hype Associates also has offices in the building.
“It was a great day for all the creative businesses within the building with live music by a local school to welcome Prince Edward,” says Siobhan. “He chatted a while with the school children and then was shown round the building and the exhibitions by Mary Cloake, The Bluecoat’s chief executive.”
The Earl ended his visit by unveiling a plaque (pictured at top) in commemoration of the building’s 300 year anniversary. The building has ongoing exhibitions this year for the anniversary. Liverpool also celebrates Beatles week later this summer August 23 – 29. The building was John Lennon’s father’s school and also housed Yoko Ono’s performance pieces as well as having connections with many well-known artists and poets, including Roger McGough, Adrian Henry and many more.
