"In the Footsteps of Peter Ellis"

[daggers]

This book is by Robert Ainsworth and Graham Jones, published by the Liverpool History Society in 2013, 228pp.

Peter Ellis (1805-1884) is best known as the architect of two office blocks in Liverpool, Oriel Chambers in Water Street and 16 Cook Street. Both were far ahead of their time in design and method of construction and are now regarded as the forerunners of skyscrapers. This book covers not just those buildings but a comprehensive family history of the man with some fascinating background to the development of the city. His career as architect, valuer, surveyor and civil engineer is described in detail, but is of far wider interest as there are many well-reproduced maps and illustrations of old Liverpool drawn from the city's Record Office (which may be familiar) and the archives of the Athenaeum (which are seen by very few).

The authors have explored Ellis's family in some detail, and although they do not explain their technique, there are some clues which may help others to work round the usual stumbling blocks.

The price of £25 for a paperback may deter some, but it is handsomely produced. I read a copy from Garston Library (720.92 ELL [LOC]).

Daggers

[MaryA]

Thanks Daggers, this building is renowned for the shape of it's windows allowing the maximum amount of light into the rooms.