Victoria Gallery and Museum

http://www.liv.ac.uk/vgm/art/index.htm

The beautiful and newly renovated Victoria Gallery and Museum was originally commissioned to be the home of Liverpool's first university. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, a renowned Victorian architect, the distinctive red brick exterior inspired the term ‘red brick’, which became synonymous with late 19th-century civic universities. The building was completed in 1892 with funds donated by the people of Liverpool.

The art gallery has a varied collection reflecting the history and identity of the university since its foundation in 1881. The gallery is home to the Sydney Jones collection of early English watercolours, including paintings by Turner and a unique collection of works by the American wildlife artist, John James Audubon.

The collection includes an extensive selection of 20th century prints from the post-war period including the artists Gillian Ayres, Peter Blake, Patrick Caulfield, Lynn Chadwick, Patrick Heron, David Hockney, Howard Hodgkin, RB Kitaj and Elizabeth Frink. The temporary exhibition programme focuses on artists who have links to Liverpool.

Editor's note:
Housed in an impressive building, the walls are lined with patterned ceramic tiles and organic motifs; this is a great architectural experience. A number of works from the permanent collection line the hallways with contemporary prints giving a new perspective against the ornate designs framing the works on show. The galleries are much more simple, well-lit spaces — a lovely place to visit.