Exploring Port Sunlight: a Visionary Idea, Liverpool, England

"In 1888, a visionary idea to provide a beautiful place to live for working class people became a reality" - The Port Sunlight website

In 1888 William Hesketh Lever, owner of the Sunlight Soap factory on England’s Wirral Peninsula, founded a village to house his workers. He based it on some innovative principles for his time (and perhaps they also seem quite radical still today?) His vision was to provide his workers with decent, sanitary housing in a considered architectural and picturesque form. This was not mere philanthropy. His thinking was that people who have comfortable and fulfilling lives will work harder and will stay loyal to their employer.

A couple of similar models had been tried elsewhere. But Lever’s thinking went further, beyond comfortable housing to an overall improved quality of life. There were green spaces and community meeting places. Workers were not simply encouraged but obliged to participate in certain educational and creative activities.

And looks mattered! The style of the houses reflected that of the times, with revivalist nods to Tudor, Gothic and more. Throughout there was an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, in line with the Arts and Crafts movement. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).