Leverhulme Memorial

Leverhulme Memorial in Port Sunlight, on the Wirral peninsula in Merseyside, is a sculptural tribute unveiled in 1930 to the founder of this model village. It sits beside the Lady Lever Art Gallery and makes an easy first or last stop on a walk around the village.

Who is the memorial for?

It honours William Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme, the businessman behind the soap works and the housing built for its employees. The village and the factory grew together, so the monument reads as a summing-up of the whole project: houses, gardens and public buildings planned around the workforce.

What does it look like?

There are two elements. A tall obelisk clad in rectangular panels carries a female figure at the top, representing Inspiration, her face and hands lifted. Beside it stands a separate bronze group facing the gallery: a mother and child flanked by figures of Industry and Education, with Art placed behind them.

James Lomax-Simpson designed the structure, and the sculptor was Sir William Reid Dick. It was unveiled on 13 September 1930.

Is it a protected monument?

Yes. It is listed at Grade II on the National Heritage List for England. Port Sunlight Village Trust, an independent charity set up by Unilever in 1999, looks after the village's monuments, parks and gardens.

Where exactly is it?

You will find it at the junction of Windy Bank and Queen Mary's Drive, just west of the Lady Lever Art Gallery. The gallery was designed by William and Segar Owen and opened at the end of 1922. Its collections include nineteenth-century British painting and sculpture, English furniture, Wedgwood jasperware and Chinese ceramics.

How do I get there?

The closest railway station is Bebington on the Merseyrail network. From central Liverpool it is a short train ride followed by a modest walk through the village. The memorial stands in the open, so you can view it at any time without a ticket.

What else is nearby?

Pair the visit with the art gallery and a stroll along the village streets. The Village Trust also runs Port Sunlight Museum, which includes a recreated workers' cottage and the SoapWorks exhibition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Leverhulme Memorial?

James Lomax-Simpson was the architect, and Sir William Reid Dick created the sculpture.

When was it unveiled?

In September 1930; the heritage listing gives the date as 1930.

Is there an entry fee?

No ticket is needed to see the memorial, which stands in the village's public space. Charges apply only to attractions such as the museum, so check prices with the operator.

What does the figure on top of the obelisk represent?

The woman with raised face and hands is an allegory of Inspiration.