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Port Sunlight, Liverpool This image is copyright free
William Hesketh Lever, who made his fortune in the processing of palm oil, decided to recreate his own little bit of old England at Port Sunlight near Liverpool. Like Cadbury's Bournville the houses were built to appear traditional with leaded windows, ornamental plastering and exposed timbering. Port Sunlight, which opened in 1922, is a fascinating example of an attempt to recreate the past in a time of change. It now contains over nine hundred listed buildings. Every single building in Port Sunlight is unique. Up until the 1980s the villagers had all been employees of Lever. Now houses are also sold privately. The village has been put forward for World Heritage Site status. It is interesting that a recreation of the past is now itself subject to preservation efforts.
If you visit Port Sunlight look out for the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Windy Bank. Lord Lever enjoyed collecting art, and his collection was placed in the gallery for villagers to enjoy. The collection is particularly strong in eighteenth and nineteenth century painting, and in Wedgewood and Chinese porcelain. The gallery is open every day, except Christmas and New Year bank holidays. The gallery closes at 2pm on December 24th.
Opening Times: For Lady Lever Gallery: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12midday - 5pm.
Directions: To reach Port Sunlight take the Birkinhead tunnel from Liverpool, and follow the A41. You will then see signs for Port Sunlight. Click here for an interactive map centred on Port Sunlight.
Access: For Lady Lever Art Gallery - wheelchair access is possible in most areas. Large print guides, and menus in the restaurant, are available.
Contact:
Port Sunlight Heritage Centre: 0151 644 6466
Lady Lever Art Gallery: 0151 478 4136