The Red Brick Beauty: Downtown Sketchers Take on the University of Liverpool’s Victoria Building!
Calling all architecture enthusiasts and urban sketchers! Our recent Downtown Sketchers meetup ventured into the heart of Liverpool’s academic heritage – the majestic Victoria Building, a cornerstone of the University of Liverpool.
Imagine this: surrounded by the grandeur of this red-bricked masterpiece, designed by the renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse, we captured not just the intricate details of the façade but also spilled outside.
A Step Back in Time: Sketching Victorian Grandeur
Completed in 1892, the Victoria Building was the first purposely built structure for the then-named University College of Liverpool. Its gothic revival style and signature red brick established the now-famous “red brick university” aesthetic across England.
As we gathered on 25/3/24, the building’s imposing presence provided a wealth of inspiration. Some sketchers meticulously captured the intricate details of the ornate stonework and the symbolic sculptures adorning the façade. Others chose to focus on the vibrant energy outside, with students hurrying to class or socializing on benches bathed in sunlight.
From Towering Facade to Bustling Square: Capturing Every Aspect
The beauty of urban sketching lies in its ability to tell a story through lines and washes. Experienced sketchers used their skills to showcase the building’s grand scale and architectural details. Newer artists found themselves drawn to the dynamic space – a group of friends deep in conversation, a lone figure lost in a book, even sculpture of those remembered.
A Welcoming Space for All Artistic Expressions
Downtown Sketchers is all about inclusivity, and this meetup was no different. Our sessions are open to everyone, regardless of skill level. We saw artists wielding watercolours with practiced ease, while others experimented with pencils and pens, capturing their unique perspective on this historic landmark.
Sharing the Creative Journey: A Community of Sketchers
The true magic of Downtown Sketchers unfolded as we sketched. Conversations flowed freely, filled with friendly advice and shared techniques. This was a space for learning from experienced sketchers, offering constructive critiques, and simply appreciating the beauty of the Victoria Building together.
Fueling Creativity: Coffee Breaks and Camaraderie
No artistic adventure is complete without a caffeine fix! Luckily, the University campus offers a variety of cafes, including the charming Waterhouse Cafe located within the Victoria Building itself. These breaks provided opportunities to refuel, share sketches, and forge new connections within the Downtown Sketchers community.
So, while this particular meetup may be over, we encourage you to join us on future sketching adventures! Whether it’s capturing the hidden corners of Liverpool or exploring the grandeur of its historic buildings, Downtown Sketchers offers a space for creativity, community, and a love for art.
Don’t forget to contact us for details on upcoming events! #DowntownSketchers #VictoriaBuilding #LiverpoolSketchbook
We look forward to sketching with you again soon!