Today marks the passing of one of Southport’s greatest benefactors, who still has a huge influence on our town today.
William Atkinson died on 20 January, 1883. But despite his death 137 years ago, his legacy lives on in the shape of stunning landmark buildings including The Atkinson on Lord Street, Christ Church on Lord Street, and St Peter’s Church in Birkdale, among others.
Originally from Knaresboro’, he bought Claremont in 1862. The same year he paid for a new stone facade, tower and spire and a peal of eight bells for Christ Church.
In 1875, he offered Southport Corporation £6,000 to build an art gallery and library for the town.
William Atkinson was a cotton manufacturer from Knaresborough who frequently visited Southport with his sick wife looking for the refreshing sea air.
He eventually moved to Southport and generously donated approximately £40,000 to the town during his lifetime and played an active part in its development.
Claremont in Southport. Photo by Secret Sand Land
The architects Waddington & Son of Burnley designed the Atkinson Art Gallery and Library, which opened in 1878.
The portrait of William Atkinson is currently on display in the local history gallery where plans for the art gallery being held in his hands can be seen.
Following a £20million transformation, the former Southport Arts Centre, Southport Library and other facilities were combined into a new multi-purpose cultural and arts centre which was suitably named after him.
The Atkinson opened its doors in May 2013 and is now home to a theatre, studio, cafe, shop, exhibitions spaces, library and museum.
He was responsible for other huge acts of generosity too.
Secret Sand Land said: “He gifted £500 towards the Virginia St Infirmary. He contributed greatly towards St.Andrew’s in Eastbank St in 1871/72 and St.Peter’s, Birkdale 1873. In the same year he donated the clock and chimes to Cambridge Hall.
“His most well known donation to his adopted town came in 1875 when he gave £6,000 for the building of a free public library & art gallery, which eventually cost £8,000.
The Atkinson in Southport was lit up by The Nightingale’s Song, part of the Sefton Borough of Culture celebrations
“Approximately five years later he cleared the library’s debt of £5,500, making his total contribution £13,500. It’s said ‘his private generosity, equalled his public liberality’.”
We have much to thank him for.
The Atkinson, on Lord Street in Southport town centre, is free to visit once lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Do you have any stories for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
I think this website holds very superb indited subject matter posts.
I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for putting up.
I enjoy forgathering useful info, this post has got me even more info! .
I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen
Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too wonderful. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great site.
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.
Metal transport services Metal waste inventory management Iron scrap transportation services
Ferrous material collection services, Iron recovery center services, Metal scrap consolidation
Scrap copper valuation Copper scrap energy efficiency Metal waste processing solutions
Copper cable recycling steps, Metal recovery center, Copper scrap sustainability initiatives
Metal recovery and reclaiming solutions, Sell copper scrap, Copper cable scrap price, Metal recycling solutions yard
Scrap metal utilization center Ferrous metal recycling standards Iron and steel recovery and recycling
Ferrous material recycling process optimization, Iron scrap reclaiming operations, Scrap metal remelting
Metal waste recycling facilities Ferrous waste disposal Iron waste recycling depot
Ferrous material recycling public relations, Iron recovery centers, Scrap metal reclamation and utilization
Scrap metal disposal services Ferrous material supply Iron waste reclaiming
Ferrous material grading services, Iron scrap reclaiming and reprocessing, Metal recovery processing
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your site. You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested. Many thanks!
Responsible metal recycling Ferrous material recycling national policies Iron waste recovery
Ferrous metal recycling guidance, Iron waste recycling solutions, Metal scrap grading
Scrap metal reclamation and reutilization solutions Ferrous material recycling association affiliations Iron and steel reclaiming facility
Ferrous material recycling waste management, Iron scrap baling services, Metal reclaiming depot
Scrap metal disassembling Ferrous metal recycling center Iron recycling plant
Ferrous material processing facility, Iron recycling and reclamation center, Responsible metal reclamation
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I?¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂
Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
Keep up the great piece of work, I read few articles on this website and I think that your weblog is real interesting and has lots of good info .