Andy Marshall's Treasure Hoard Gazetteer.
Entry: The Ghost Signs at the Queen's Stores, Baltic, Liverpool
The material evidence of Liverpool's maritime past are quickly fading. I remember walking through Ancoats in Manchester and looking at the derelict textile factories, before they were modernised, scrubbed up and de-fonted.
These buildings are a strong reminder of Liverpool's industrial heritage. How long will these ghost signs last for - material survivals that reach back to an age of sailmakers and chandlers?
I'm going to draw the words 'SHIPS CHANDLERS' back up into our current day, via the magic potion of adding it to this index, to counteract the inertia of contemporary times that is smitten with words like permacrisis, quiet quitting and algorithm.
If you visit here, the ghost sign may not still be there. The Queen's Stores sign is the last vestige, tentative material link to a rich maritime history. Its typography and style also offer up an echo of the past.
When this sign goes - there will be text books only for reference.
Getting There
W3W: ///larger.sheep.wonderfully
Parking: You can, of course, just drive up and take a look. There wasn't too much traffic about during the day when I was there. The nearest paid parking is at King Park. I like it here because it isn't height restricted. It's set within a skeletal industrial building and 5 mins walk away.
Discover More
Full Historic England description of the Baltic Triangle.
Also See
The Baltic Triangle is the perfect location for a walk to see the principle sights of Liverpool along the A3056 with easy walking distance to the famous docks, Tate Modern Liverpool, the Liver Building etc.
Oriel Chambers
It's a grade I listed building - the same as a medieval cathedral. The listing describes it as 'a pioneering building in the use of expressed cast iron construction.' Others claim it is the first ever skyscraper in the world. For me has a beauty of design that is modern and yet rooted in the past. It's oriel 'egg-box' style windows have been echoed across the city in modern buildings.
The Two Cathedrals
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is a modernist classic designed by Frederick Gibberd. Make sure you visit the crypt by Lutyens too.
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Britain. Designed in the Gothic style by Giles Gilbert Scott it's traditional exterior belies a behemoth of concrete construction. Going up into the tower is a must - it feels like a huge industrial grain silo.
Treasure Hoard Gazetteer Map
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