Interesting Local Facts.

[Steven]

Often forgotten, is the fact that in the mid 19th century, Liverpool was a key supporter of radical artistic movements, such as the Pre Raphaelites (considered cosy as a hearthside rug today; but in their day considered as weird and offensive as anything by Damien Hirst & co).

In the early 1850s, The Pre Raphaelites - in particular William Holman Hunt - were at the point of giving up and getting regular day jobs, when the Liverpool Academy kicked in and awarded Hunt their annual £50 prize, just as he was on the verge of destitution. It saved his career.

Support for Pre Raphaelite painting over the following years eventually split the academy, and ultimately lead to its breakup. But Hunt never forgot his debt to Liverpool - and many years later, allowed the Walker Art Gallery to buy his painting: 'The Triumph of the Innocents' for a knockdown price, as a token of his gratitude.

Myself,,,,,,,,, I was spellbound by them but could never take to Millais with that 'Scapegoat' or was that Holman Hunt ?



To me it was a time of love and romance.