The Carter Prestons and Tyson Smiths: A Liverpool Family Tree

Document from the year 2012 in the subject History - Miscellaneous, grade: 71/100, course: MArch, language: English, abstract: The present study explores the transformation of the city of Liverpool, from a British commercial city into a centre of culture, architecture, art and sculpture from the late 19th century to the end of 20th century. It analyses the lives, careers and artistic family trees of two of the most important sculptors of the time, Herbert Tyson Smith and Edward Carter Preston (including the potter Julia Carter Preston). Also, it explores medal design, sculpture and architectural decoration in Liverpool at the period, with detailed analysis on the sculptures of the Anglican Cathedral and the Martins Bank building. The period from 1880’s until 1960’s was enough for the Liverpool architects and artists of the time to produce an incredible collection of sculptures and architectural decoration which accompanied the modern Beaux Arts, steel framed buildings. Finally, the architectural decorations, medals, and sculptures were out of favour by the late 20th century and also, the artistic family trees of Herbert Tyson Smith and Edward Carter Preston came to an end after their grandchildren’s generation, with none of them having become a professional sculptor or artist.