Sunderland Shops - Liverpool House

A hand drawn digital artwork based on an original 1920's Sunderland Echo advert. Printed on high quality 230gsm matt archival paper.

Liverpool House was a well-known department store in Sunderland, with a rich history rooted in the city’s commercial development. Originally a townhouse dating back to at least 1826, the building was later converted into sales rooms for W.C. Thompson & Co. in the late 19th century. It eventually became Liverpool House, a department store made up of three tall Victorian buildings and a central, classically styled structure with large arched windows.

In the 1950s, Liverpool House became a cherished destination for families, especially during the festive season, thanks to its Santa’s Grotto, designed by Evan Oxenham in the basement. The store was later taken over by Style Furnishings, transforming into a furniture shop that continued trading until the 1990s, when it closed.

After years of vacancy, the building was purchased by Sunderland Council in 2013, with plans for redevelopment, including potential conversion into apartments. Though its future remains uncertain, Liverpool House is fondly remembered by many locals as a vibrant part of Sunderland’s retail past.