Liverpool's third Liver Bird has been removed from Mersey Chambers for restoration work. The bird, known as the 'mother' bird of the famous Bella and Bertie atop the Royal Liver Building, was carefully taken down on Thursday, October 1, so specialists could assess and repair damage to one of its wings.
Historic perch since 1878
The Grade-II listed Mersey Chambers were built for the Harrison Shipping Line by architect George Enoch Grayson in 1878, and the bird has perched on the building since then. Acorn Group, which owns Mersey Chambers, commissioned the restoration as part of its commitment to preserving the historic landmark. The work will be carried out by specialist firm Calibre Metalwork.
Restoration and return
Danny Keating, chief operating officer at Acorn Group, said: "Today we've brought down the third Liver Bird, or as we call her, the mother bird, to have some restoration work. She's been sitting on top of Mersey Chambers for well over a century." He added: "So, she's going to go away, have her wing repaired, and come back to us looking all new, hopefully to be there for another hundred years, if not more."
Keating thanked the teams involved, saying: "It's been years in the planning with the various teams that have coordinated today. So, a big thank you to everyone involved, as this has been a moment of pride for us to restore the bird." He noted the building's maritime history: "It's such an important part of Liverpool's history, linked to the maritime past, which is the Mersey Chambers building that was originally the headquarters of the Harrison Shipping Line. And now, Acorn, as custodians, we want to make sure that the building and the bird are looking great for future generations to come."
Landmark building
The bird is expected to return to its home once the restoration is complete. Mersey Chambers sits beside St Nicholas Parish Church of Liverpool, laid out as a public garden in 1891 in memory of James Harrison, a partner in the company founded in 1830. Known popularly as the third Liver Bird due to its proximity to the two on the waterfront, it stands out for being painted white. The building, in Old Churchyard in the city centre, is recognised for its distinctive French Renaissance style, with the Liver Bird on the rooftop one of its most recognisable features.
