World Heritage Status, who needs it? 

Whilst we understand the upset that has been caused by Unesco stripping Liverpool of the World Heritage status we have held since 2004, we here at MerseyMade are not disheartened. 

We know the value of this wonderful city. From the pain of the past to the beauty of the present, we are a part of a community that does not need someone else to tell us how privileged we are. Because we are one. 

People have labelled the UN body’s decision as “humiliating” and inciting “shame”, but in reality, it’s merely a decision made with a lack of knowledge of our beautiful city. It has been over a decade since Unesco has visited our city, so we thought we’d compile a list for them of all of the reasons they should reconsider. 

And at the very least, we should remind ourselves of everything that makes Liverpool incredible. 

Architecture

With an excess of 2,500 listen buildings, 27 of which are Grade I, Liverpool has no shortage of beautiful historic buildings. Be it those along our beloved Albert Dock or the cathedrals that sit further inland. Speckled with varying designs and incompatible eras, Liverpool architectural fingerprint is a collage of its diverse and turbulent history.

Creativity

In 2015, Unesco awarded Liverpool with the title, City of Music, thanks to our thriving artistic community. With The Beatles being many a tourists first interaction with Liverpool, it’s unsurprising that many flock here to study and follow in their footsteps. But it’s not solely music that runs through our veins. As our collection of over 100 local artists work so clearly displays, we are not short of creative energy in these parts.

Values

Ever the underdog, we know what it is to be undervalued and dismissed. And whilst past turmoil has seen the city struggle, we’ve never been short of determination and willpower to succeed in the face of difficulty. Perhaps this is why we have such a thriving independent community of businesses and creatives, because we know that the big corporations will never be able to provide the local love that our small businesses can.

Natural Beauty

It’s not just our towering buildings that leave an impression with those who visit. Our natural spaces are utopias of colour and warmth, with their beauty being translated into a multitude of pieces we stock.

History

As occupants of a listed building ourselves, we know the value of knowing your history. Originally known as the Gordon Smith Institute for Seamen, its origins can be traced back to 1820. The space provided sanctuary and spiritual guidance for those who worked at sea. Later sheltering seamen whose vessels had been sunk by enemy action during WWII. Now, the site is used for very different purposes, housing ourselves, two other businesses and 37 apartments. But we have not forgotten our origin story, naming our café after Gordon Smith and continuing to tell the tale of a space once bustling with restless, sea weary travellers.