This beautiful mosaic sign is at the entrance to Oriel Close in the lovely Oriel building in Liverpool's Water Street. The building is much-admired, designed by Peter Ellis and built in 1864. With a cast iron frame, its grid of oriel windows is its defining feature. It wasn't loved by all, however. In 1866, The Builder magazine described it as "a vast abortion" and "ludicrous", declaring that "the plainest brick warehouse in town is infinitely superior". Liverpool certainly has some handsome warehouses, but I'm glad the Oriel and this little mosaic have survived to cheer passers-by.
