The liver bird is a mythical bird that has become a symbol of the English city of Liverpool. But who exactly invented this iconic emblem? In this article, we will explore the origins and history of the liver bird to find out who first created this legendary creature.
What is the Liver Bird?
The liver bird is a fictional bird that is used as a symbol for Liverpool, England. It is normally depicted as a cormorant, a large seabird, holding a branch of laver seaweed in its beak. The seaweed is a reference to the name “Liverpool,” which comes from the Old English words for a pool or creek with muddy water (“lifer”) and a thick growth of seaweed (“pul”).
The earliest known use of the liver bird emblem was on the city seal of Liverpool in the 14th century. But the design has evolved over the centuries. The most common modern representation shows the bird in flight facing the viewer with the sprig of laver seaweed in its mouth and wings spread upwards and outwards.
Today, the liver bird can be seen all over Liverpool. It appears on everything from the badges of local sports teams like Liverpool Football Club to decorative features on buildings. The most famous liver birds stand proudly atop the clock towers of the Royal Liver Building at Liverpool’s Pier Head waterfront.
Origins in Myth and Legend
The liver bird has its roots in local folklore and legends. Liverpool’s location on the River Mersey long made it an important seaport. This led to stories involving mythical sea creatures like the liver bird. There are a few key legends about the origins of the liver bird:
- One tale claims the liver bird dates back to 1207 when King John founded the borough of Liverpool and declared the area should have a bird as its emblem. The king supposedly saw a bird flying overhead transporting a liver in its beak. He named the new town “Liverpool” after this sighting.
- Another legend says that in the 13th century, the mayor of Liverpool was walking along the misty Mersey River early one morning. Through the fog, he spotted a cormorant-like liver bird flying toward the city with an oak branch of seaweed in its mouth. He viewed this as an omen of prosperity for Liverpool.
- Some stories describe the liver bird as a magical creature that lives on the River Mersey and protects the ships that come in and out of the city’s port. Sightings of the bird were considered to be good luck for sailors.
While these tales are mythical in nature, they do indicate that people have long associated a liver bird with Liverpool and its maritime setting. The symbolic bird has been part of local lore and identity for centuries.
First Known Renditions
The first known depictions of the liver bird emerged in the 14th and 15th centuries as the bird was incorporated into Liverpool’s official seals and coats of arms:
- A seal from 1350 shows a basic rendition of a bird holding plant matter in its beak standing on water. This is believed to be one of the earliest depictions of the liver bird.
- In 1352, a Liverpool Charter granted by King Edward III included a crude etching of the bird standing on a rock surrounded by waves.
- A seal from 1440 displays a more stylized bird design with clearly defined wings, tail feathers, and webbed feet. It is perched on a branch over the water.
- The city’s coat of arms from 1581 includes a very detailed liver bird illustration featuring vivid plumage and a sprig of laver in its mouth.
These antiquated renditions show that the people of Liverpool were using the mythical liver bird symbolically by the mid-14th century. The city founders and early mayors were among the first to invent and adapt the iconic emblem.
Evolution of the Modern Design
Over the next few centuries, the depiction of the liver bird evolved with the styles of the times:
- In the 17th century, liver birds were drawn in a more ornate, decorative Baroque style. The birds from this era are embellished with curved tails, flowery crests, and very intricate detailing.
- Some 18th century versions use simpler lines reflecting Neoclassical tastes. But the birds still maintain a regal, heraldic look with crowns or banners added.
- In the 19th century, liver birds remained a popular decorative element in Liverpool. The Victorians crafted liver birds in wrought iron for fences, rendered them in stone for buildings, and printed them on flags and banners.
- Modern 20th century liver birds have a sleek, Art Deco style inspired by the 1911 Liver Building. Today’s designs also incorporate contemporary elements like bold colors and graphic visuals.
The style of the liver bird mirrors fashions and trends through the centuries. But the core elements – the cormorant-like sea bird with a sprig of laver in its beak – remain consistent identifiers.
Famous Liver Birds
Some renowned sculptors, illustrators, architects, and designers have left their artistic mark on the liver bird over the years. Here are some key figures who helped develop the icon:
- Carl Bernard Bartels – This German sculptor created the famous liver birds for the 1911 Royal Liver Building. The two 10.5-foot copper birds flank the towers overlooking the Mersey.
- Edmund Kirby – This Liverpool artist painted the liver bird icon for the city’s coat of arms and flag in 1964. His colorful, stylized design is still used today.
- Bill Harry – As art editor of the music magazine Mersey Beat in the 1960s, Harry popularized a cartoon liver bird known as “Nerdic” that became a mascot for Liverpool groups.
- William Mitchell – The English sculptor made the iconic liver bird brick relief on the side of the Royal Liver Assurance building in 1976.
- CBS Studios – In the 1980s, this firm created the first computer-generated iteration of the liver bird for a TV ident. It marked the digital age for the emblem.
From sculptors to painters, cartoonists to designers, many artists have added their personal flair to the liver bird over the past century.
Use in Popular Culture
As a symbol of Liverpool pride, the liver bird is often incorporated into contemporary pop culture as well:
- The emblem appears frequently in media related to Liverpool and its celebrities. For example, it was featured on album art for The Beatles.
- Sports teams like Liverpool FC and Everton FC use stylized liver birds in their logos and imagery.
- Fashion designers often include liver birds on clothes representing Liverpool style. The bird shows up on t-shirts, hats, bags and more.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks printed with liver birds became popular souvenirs and cultural touchstones in the city.
- Many Liverpudlians have liver bird tattoos to express their hometown allegiance. These range from classic coat of arms designs to more modern interpretations.
The liver bird remains an iconic part of Liverpool culture and style. It is commonly associated with the city around the world thanks to its use in media, sports, fashion, and more.
Conclusion
While the exact origins are mythical, the liver bird was imagined centuries ago as a symbolic creature representing the maritime city of Liverpool. Though its style has evolved, the cormorant-like bird with a sprig of laver remains the quintessential image of Liverpool pride. This cultural icon continues to feature prominently in the city’s identity and popular culture worldwide.