Visit to Liverpool 18th-19th Sept.

#liverpool #walkerartgallery #stgeorgeshall #eonarium #enlightenment

Normally, when visiting Liverpool, we go by car but being the adventurers that we are, this time we decided to use the train for a little excitement. Leaving Eccles, we soon arrived at Lime Street station which was near the hotel where we were staying for one night.
Sue was going to the theatre and I was meeting my daughter's boyfriend and sampling the delights of Liverpool's public houses. After our first ever meal of Scouse, we parted company and I set off into Liverpool for a couple of drinks. All went well as it was a pleasant evening weather wise and after attending an open mike night, (fortunately to listen, not sing) I met Sue and returned to the hotel to  settle in for the night.

After a hearty breakfast, we checked out of the hotel, and left our case for a later pick up. We decided to visit the Walker art gallery, a place where we always enjoy viewing the artwork.
In the first room we always feel immediately at home when viewing their Lowry's and then took our time going through the other galleries. The rooms were all busy with several school groups but it wasn't crowded as they have opened up several more rooms with impressive paintings of the Tudor monarchs.
​An interesting observation in one room was that two Impressionist paintings had been obtained from the gallery as part of an Acceptance in Lieu scheme, which allows inheritance tax to be paid by giving important cultural items to the nation. Sue has already sorted out which of my paintings she is giving LOL!

After crossing towards the St George's Hall, we noticed a long queue waiting to go in and asked what they were waiting for. Having been told about the Immersive experience inside, we decided to find out more about it. 
Explore the four seasons through a breath-taking visual and auditory experience, and immerse yourself in a unique perspective of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. During this 30-minute spectacle, let yourself be enchanted by the iconic melodies of Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ accompanied by spectacular visuals. It’s a complete immersion in a historical monument dating back to the 19th century.
This sounded interesting and for us, not too expensive.
​So, we booked online and arrived at 1pm to enter.
The hall was filled with large bean bags and we soon found one and laid down ready for the show.

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An impressive show, although it wasn't always easy to tell which season the images related to as the colours and images were similar at times, apart from the Winter section.
An enjoyable experience but having viewed two Van Gogh immersive experiences,  not as special as some of the reviews indicated. With the first Van Gogh in York, we were sat in deckchairs and the images flowed over us and the walls. At Salford Quays, the large images flowed over on the walls and floor as you explored the rooms. Lying down was relaxing and the music fitted the images perfectly,  but in my case I couldn't stretch out as the couple in front pulled their bean bags together and I didn't have a gap to stretch my legs into.

Whatever you think about these Immersive shows they certainly attract the crowds and are a great money making way for large building such as this. However, we enjoy them as a novel way of experience artworks.
We even have a David Hockney experience booked for the New Year, which we are both  looking forward to!