Art Deco Architecture In Liverpool-Littlewoods Building Edge Lane

The Littlewoods Pools Headquarters

Edge Hill, Liverpool

A fine example of Art Deco architecture and important in Liverpool’s history both to its commercial, and wartime efforts.

The building sits on a plateau on one of the highest points in Liverpool. Edge Hill.
It is not far from the city centre.

It is almost cathedralesque with its central clock tower flanked by two wings.

There is a glass roof to let in the daylight this combined with the full size windows must have been a pleasure to work in, especially in comparison to working conditions elsewhere at the time it was built. It still is today.

Its simple form and clean lines give it that ocean liner style which was so wonderfully fresh and new at the time of construction. This was as cool as you could get.

Its new and fresh style must have been commissioned to be symbolic of the company’s intentions. John Moore’s himself along with his brother Cecil will have given the go ahead to build.

The views of this glowing white art deco building striding Edge Hill are best taken from Botanic Park where its boldness can be appreciated. Because of the park restraining other development, it has held its character intact and not changed since construction.

How lucky to watch the sun swing around the pure white and simple lines against the green and plush parkland. Is this Liverpool or Miami?

It does not have the polychrome decoration like The Hoover building.

Its beauty is in its simplicity and clean lines and it’s setting.
It was commisioned by the wealthiest individual in the United Kingdom, who he started his business selling shoelaces in Dale St before forming his pools’ empire. He never abandoned the city of Liverpool and lived on the outskirts until his death.

This building is mentioned in Pevsners South Lancashire volume on pg. 220. Pevsner refers to Wavertree Park off Edge Lane, very large symmetrical building of Littlewoods.
All square but still classically committed.

Pevsner did not refer to that many, what we now call Art Deco buildings

This really is a truly a wonderful building and he had the foresight to see its beauty a long time before it was fashionable.

It is now rotting and in a perilous state after several failed attempts to restore it.

Update      It has now been set on fire......Only in Liverpool.