The Liverpool Tapestry:
People, Places and Passions
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37
The Blackie, the first community arts
centre in Britain, was redeveloped from
the former George Street Congregational
Chapel built in 1840. The Grade II listed
building, considered by Charles Reilly to
be “one of the best classical buildings in
the city” was converted to community
use in 1967, housing five floors of art
spaces, galleries, offices and cafeteria, and
renamed ‘The Blackie’ on account of its
then sooty appearance, although it has
been recently subjected to a £6 million
makeover and has been cleaned as part
of that process. It is also again in use for
church services.
“
I chose to work this building as I
attended a couple of rallies there whilst
I was a member of the Merseyside Young
Congregationalists. I am proud to say that
it formed a very small part of my spiritual
journey.”
The Blackie Gallery,
formerly Great George
Street Congregational
Church
Designed by Elsie Watkins,
stitched by Chris Bennett