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Albert Dock free light show running in August

Georgie DockerNorth West
News imageAdam Kenrick Huge projected images are reflected onto a brick building on the water. The images reflect back into the water in the evening's darkness. The projected pictures show two globes and a picture of a building.Adam Kenrick
Liverpool's Albert Dock was lit up in celebration of its 180th anniversary

Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool was illuminated by a huge light projection display to celebrate its 180th anniversary.

Albert Dock, which received its royal title in 2018, was designed by architect and dock engineer Jesse Hartley. Opened in 1846, by Prince Albert, the dock was given Grade I listed status in 1952 but abandoned 20 years later, before being redeveloped from 1984.

Now boasting food and drink spots, shops, museums and regular events, Royal Albert Dock celebrated its 180th anniversary in style on Thursday evening, with a huge open air art display, curated by Liverpool cultural photographer Mark McNulty.

Visitors can see the show for free throughout August.

News imageAdam Kenrick Huge projected images are reflected onto a brick building on the water. The images reflect back into the water in the evening's darkness. The projected pictures show Keith Haring cartoon artwork, a picture of the outside of the Tate museum, and a man looking away from the camera.Adam Kenrick
The waterfront display featured photographs taken from the Tate museum on the Dock

The display paints a cinematic history of the dock, featuring photographs of the dockland area over the years, from snaps of events and art, to local faces. It was projected onto on the brick work façade of the Grade I listed Maritime Museum inner quay.

The Mark McNulty "Dock Short Lates" projection will run nightly across the inner quay throughout August, from 21:45 BST to 23:00 and is free to attend.

News imageAdam Kenrick Huge projected images are reflected onto a brick building on the water. The images reflect back into the water in the evening's darkness. The projected pictures show a globe on a large blue backlight.Adam Kenrick
'Launching the 180th anniversary celebrations with this retrospective projection has been a great experience,' photographer McNulty said.

To celebrate the anniversary, members of the public are also being asked to submit their own personal photographs of the Royal Albert Dock through the decades.

Of the submissions, 180 photographs will be chosen by Royal Albert Dock to feature in a final public projection on 24 September.

The pictures will then be preserved in a digital memory book.

News imageAdam Kenrick Huge projected images are reflected onto a brick building on the water. The images reflect back into the water in the evening's darkness. The projected pictures show a man in front of buildings and coloured statues.Adam Kenrick
A photo book is being created to mark the special anniversary

"Having spent decades documenting Liverpool's culture, it's a privilege to collaborate with the Royal Albert Dock on such a landmark milestone," McNulty said of the display.

News imageAdam Kenrick Huge projected images are reflected onto a brick building on the water. The images reflect back into the water in the evening's darkness. The projected pictures show blue rippling water.Adam Kenrick
The projection will run nightly across the inner quay throughout August and is free to attend

He added: "The Dock holds a special place in the city's heart, and I hope seeing these moments projected across the Maritime Museum reminds people of their own special moments here over the years."

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