A Case History by John King
Stacked concrete suitcases honoring Liverpool's legendary citizens on Hope Street's historic Georgian pavements.
A striking outdoor sculpture installation on Hope Street in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, featuring stacked concrete suitcases and guitar cases cast in vibrant colors. Created by artist John King and installed in 1998, each piece bears a bronze luggage tag naming a notable figure from Liverpool's rich cultural heritage—from The Beatles members to social reformers and conductors. This unique street art serves as both a playful homage to the city's legendary residents and a thought-provoking meditation on journeys, arrivals, and departures.
A brief summary to A Case History by John King
- Hope St, Liverpool, L1 9BQ, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography without background interference.
- Locate the information board at the site to identify which suitcase belongs to which notable figure, then challenge yourself to find them independently.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions on Hope Street, including the Liverpool Cathedral, art galleries, and the Georgian Quarter's independent shops and cafés.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the colorful concrete suitcases from different angles; the work is highly photogenic from multiple perspectives.
- Visit during mild weather months (April to October) when you can comfortably spend time examining the details and reading the bronze luggage tags.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport from Liverpool City Centre
From Liverpool Lime Street railway station, take any Merseyrail train toward the city center or walk approximately 15–20 minutes northwest through the city center toward Hope Street. Alternatively, catch local buses 1, 3, or 16 from the city center, which stop near Hope Street. Journey time by bus is typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Services run regularly throughout the day with reduced frequency in evenings and Sundays. No ticket required if you're already within walking distance of the Georgian Quarter.
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Walking from Liverpool Cathedral
If visiting Liverpool Cathedral (located nearby), A Case History is approximately 8–10 minutes' walk downhill along Hope Street toward Mount Street. The route is straightforward, well-signposted, and passes through the heart of the Georgian Quarter with numerous cafés and galleries along the way. The pavement is level and accessible year-round, making this an ideal approach for most visitors.
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Car Parking and Driving Access
Hope Street has limited on-street parking, though several paid car parks operate within the Georgian Quarter, typically charging £1.50–£3.00 per hour depending on location and time of day. The nearest major car park is approximately 2–3 minutes' walk away. Street parking is available but can be difficult during peak hours (10 AM–4 PM) and weekends. Disabled parking spaces are available near the sculpture; contact local parking services for permits.
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Taxi or Ride-Share Services
Taxis and ride-share services (such as Uber) can drop you directly on Hope Street at the junction with Mount Street. Journey time from Liverpool city center is typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares from the city center generally range from £6–£12. This option is convenient for visitors with mobility limitations or those carrying heavy luggage.
A Case History by John King location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about A Case History by John King
A Monument to Liverpool's Legendary Figures
A Case History stands as one of Liverpool's most distinctive and beloved public artworks, created by sculptor John King and installed on Hope Street in 1998. The installation comprises a collection of concrete suitcases and guitar cases, stacked and scattered across the pavement in an arrangement that suggests both arrival and departure. Each piece is cast in warm, earthy colors and bears a bronze luggage tag inscribed with the name of a notable individual or institution connected to Liverpool. The work celebrates the city's extraordinary cultural legacy, honoring figures such as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison alongside social reformers, writers, conductors, and other influential citizens who shaped the region's identity.Artistic Vision and Conceptual Depth
The sculpture operates on multiple levels of meaning. On the surface, it presents a whimsical, accessible public artwork that invites casual observation and photography. Beneath this playful exterior lies a more profound meditation on journeys, displacement, memory, and cultural significance. The suitcases evoke themes of travel and transition, while the specific naming of each piece anchors the work firmly in Liverpool's social and cultural history. By transforming luggage—objects typically associated with movement and temporary states—into permanent public monuments, King creates a paradox that encourages viewers to reflect on how we remember and honor those who have shaped our communities.Setting Within Liverpool's Georgian Quarter
Located at the junction of Hope Street and Mount Street, A Case History occupies a prime position within Liverpool's celebrated Georgian Quarter, one of the city's most architecturally significant and visually striking neighborhoods. Hope Street itself is renowned for its elegant Victorian and Georgian buildings, tree-lined pavements, and cultural institutions. The sculpture's placement here is particularly apt, as the street has long been associated with the arts, education, and cultural achievement. The surrounding architecture provides a dignified context for the artwork, creating an engaging dialogue between contemporary street art and historic urban design. Visitors exploring this area will find the installation impossible to miss, yet its integration into the streetscape feels organic and intentional.An Interactive Experience for Visitors
Part of the charm of A Case History lies in its interactive potential. An information board at the site identifies which suitcase belongs to which notable figure, but the artwork also invites visitors to search and discover for themselves. Many travelers enjoy the challenge of locating cases belonging to The Beatles members or other famous names, turning a simple street encounter into a mini treasure hunt. This participatory element has made the work particularly popular with families, tourists, and photography enthusiasts. The concrete suitcases are tactile and approachable, encouraging close inspection and engagement rather than distant admiration. The piece succeeds in making contemporary art accessible to the general public while maintaining genuine artistic and conceptual merit.Enduring Presence and Cultural Significance
Now in its third decade, A Case History has become an integral part of Liverpool's cultural landscape and a must-see attraction for visitors to the city. The work has weathered the elements with grace, and its presence on Hope Street has only deepened over time. It stands as a testament to John King's vision and to Liverpool's commitment to celebrating its heritage through innovative public art. The installation has inspired countless photographs and remains a favorite subject for both professional photographers and casual visitors documenting their travels. Its combination of artistic sophistication, historical resonance, and public accessibility makes it a rare achievement in contemporary sculpture—a work that appeals to art enthusiasts and casual passersby alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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69A
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
