Bluecoat is a
unique and much-loved Liverpool institution, its oldest city centre building. This
book tells the fascinating story of its transformation from charity school to
contemporary arts centre, the UK’s first. Its early 18th century origins
shed light on the religious and maritime mercantile environment of the growing
port, whose merchants supported the school. Echoes from then are revealed in
themes explored by artists in the 20th century, including slavery
and colonial legacies.



The predominant
focus is on an inclusive building for the arts, starting with colourful bohemian
society, the Sandon, who established an artistic colony in 1907, hosting
significant exhibitions by the Post-Impressionists and many leading modern
British artists. Bluecoat Society of Arts emerged as the building’s custodians,
paving the way for the arts centre which, despite financial struggles and wartime
bomb damage, survived and continues to play a prominent role in Liverpool’s and
the UK’s culture.



Bluecoat is described
as where ‘village hall meets the avant-garde’. In its rich story, Picasso,
Stravinsky, Yoko Ono, Captain Beefheart, Simon Rattle and the inspirational
Fanny Calder are just some of the names encountered, as key strands, including
music, visual art, performance and the building’s tenants, are traced.