Features

It's twenty years since Tate Liverpool first opened its doors on 23 May, 1988 with an official opening by Prince Charles.

The Tate of the North, as it was originally called, was a key part of the regeneration of the Grade I listed Albert Dock complex.

The transformation of brick warehouses to a modern art gallery was by architect James Stirling, his only commission in the city in which he grew up.

Over 20 years Tate Liverpool has hosted numerous exhibitions of modern and contemporary art including Salvador Dali, Gilbert & George, Peter Blake and in 2007 the first Turner Prize to be held outside of London.

Other highlights have included works by Anthony Gormley, Mark Wallinger, Francis Bacon and Henry Moore.

What are your memories of Tate Liverpool?

Did you go to see the first exhibitions including Salvador Dali’s Lobster Telephone and Michael Craig-Martin’s infamous An Oak Tree, actually a glass of water?

On 30 May, 2008 the first ever comprehensive UK exhibition of work by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt will open at Tate Liverpool.

One of the highlights of Capital of Culture year it will feature paintings and drawings from all stages of Klimt’s career and focus on his role as leader of a progressive group of artists called the Viennese Secession.

Gustav Klimt Baby (Cradle) 1917/1918

When it opened in 1988 Tate Liverpool was expected to welcome around 200,000 visitors a year, in the last year 700,000 have visited.

The 2007 Turner Prize, won by Mark Wallinger attracted 72,000 people over a four month period making it the gallery’s best ever attended exhibition.

54% of the visitors to the exhibition were from outside Merseyside with 25,000 of these leaving written comments.

Artists who have been involved with Tate Liverpool over the last 20 years are returning for special talks.

Paula Rego will be in conversation with Lewis Biggs who runs the Liverpool Biennial and Susan Hiller will be discussing her career with Tate Liverpool director Christoph Grunenberg.