The Government has awarded The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool Grade I listed status following advice from Historic England.
The cathedral, previously Grade II* listed, is now nationally recognised as a building of the highest architectural and historical interest.
Built between 1962 and 1967, the cathedral represents the greatest Roman Catholic post-war architectural commission in Britain.
It was built over an earlier Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed crypt, intended to be part of a grand classical-style Catholic cathedral in Liverpool that began in the 1930s, but construction was halted, largely due to financial constraints and the outbreak of the Second World War.
The upgrade of the cathedral’s listing status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport reflects a deeper understanding of Sir Frederick Gibberd’s architectural vision and the cathedral’s significance as an international example of progressive Catholic architecture during the mid-20th century.
Welcoming the announcement, Archbishop John Sherrington of Liverpool said: “The building has been described as ‘the soul of the city’ and brings hope to thousands who visit each year.
“The colours of the stained glass and revolutionary architectural style help raise their minds and hearts beyond this world to the transcendent and to God.
“It is very significant that the cathedral has been recognised during the Jubilee Year which has the theme ‘pilgrims of hope’.
“I hope the upgraded listed status allows us to welcome even more pilgrims to our striking Mother Church.
“I thank all who have contributed to the upkeep and repair of the building for over 60 years and pray that we may care nationally for this building of the highest architectural and historical interest.”
Sarah Charlesworth, Historic England’s Listing Team Leader North, said: “Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral transformed British cathedral design with its revolutionary centralised plan, representing a radical departure from traditional designs.
“Sir Frederick Gibberd’s masterpiece, built upon Lutyens’ earlier crypt, showcases extraordinary artistic collaboration and stands as one of Britain’s most significant post-war architectural achievements.”
Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said that the new listing status recognises Gibberd’s “visionary design, which created a landmark”.
She said: “Liverpool’s iconic Cathedral is a truly remarkable and much-loved building which deserves to be protected so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Catherine Croft, Director of the Twentieth Century Society, said: “The ‘Wigwam’ or ‘The Mersey Funnel’, as it’s affectionately known among locals, is unique in world architecture and has long been a powerful homecoming beacon for Liverpudlians.
“Liverpool now rightly has two magnificent Grade I listed cathedrals which together demonstrate just how varied, exciting, and emotionally uplifting twentieth century architecture can be.
“A great vessel of post-war glass, sculpture and design, the listing upgrade will help ensure the modernist cathedral’s careful long-term conservation and appreciation by all who visit – to worship or just to marvel.”
Gibberd’s centralised plan with a unified worship space was unprecedented in British cathedral design, allowing congregations to participate more fully in the visual drama of the Mass.
The striking central lantern or ‘corona’ filled with coloured glass by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens used an innovative technique of cementing glass with epoxy resin pre-cast within tracery of thin concrete ribs – a method invented specifically for this building.
The cathedral also features numerous artistic collaborations of exceptional quality, including William Mitchell’s Evangelist entrance doors and carving to the bell tower, Elizabeth Frink’s crucifix, David Atkins’ geometrical floor pattern, Ceri Richards’ work in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, and coloured glass by Margaret Traherne in multiple chapels.
The fusion of modern architecture with fine art characterised the change in perspective that followed the Second Vatican Council of the mid-1960s.
<em>(© Mazur/cbcew.org.uk)</em>
