Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral Now and Then Tunnel Service Entrance

interesting

didnt know that

Here's the other pic. I have of the carvings. This is at the Liverpool dock exit. If you're interested in the architecture of the Art Deco period (late '20's/early 30's)it's worth going on the tour of the Queensway tunnel, or at least visiting the ventilation shaft at George's Dock in Liverpool. This is the tunnel HQ & has lots of symbolic carvings & statues, including this one, representing Speed.

edit. sorry, got the picture title wrong. Top one is the dock exit, bottom one is "speed"

haha cool,

the second one looks like a pilot or race car driver?!?!

Sometimes we just don't see the wood for the trees
I'm going to look harder next time.

Story is that the architect, Herbert Rowse, was inspired by Amy Johnson's solo flight to Australia.

True. Although I lived in Birkenhead until 1956, when I was 19, it's only recently that I've studied some of the stuff which just went unnoticed at the time. For instance, & still connected with the tunnel, have you ever taken time to really look at the ventilation shafts? The ones in Birkenhead, Woodside, Sidney St. & Taylor St.? They're all really beautiful, all different & all the intricate Art Deco design on them is carried out with a single brick, about 10" x 2" which the architect had made specially. Just have a look at this shot I took a month ago of the Woodside shaft, at the bottom of Pacific Rd.

wow never notice that. theres nothing around the other side on the waterfront side though is there?

I think i know which day you mean as i was down that
way but no camera to hand.

It is truly amazing to see & to appreciate the labour
that has gone into it.

Back in August i went on a Tunnel Tour Click Me

If i remember correctly there are 7 Vent Shafts
4 Liverpool Side and 3 Wirral side.

Yes, just as much decoration on the waterfront side.

Yes, the tunnel tour is great value, but quite tiring for my old legs! Only 3 shafts on L'pool side; George's Dock, North John St. & New Quay.
If i remember correctly there are 7 Vent Shafts
4 Liverpool Side and 3 Wirral side.

i was down the post depot by that place today. its huuuuge!

good picture too. the sky is so blue.

I think this is the area where the Victoria hotel stood.and was demolished to make way for the servise tunnel.One off my mums side of the family used to be the land lord around 1890 - 1910