SERIES TWO – EDITION SEVEN
In series two – edition seven of our Faces of Liverpool series we caught up with Jamie Yates, aged 41 from Walton; an Artist.
What do you love about Liverpool?
What’s NOT to love? The vibe. The wonderful, warm, funny people, the history, everything our city has given this country and the rest of the world. The creativity, the edge, the buzz about the place, the iconic skyline, the wide open green spaces, the blend of old and new architecture. The diverse mix of people. Sharing it all with my daughter when she is here with me.
Name one main thing about living in Liverpool that makes you proud?
How, as a city, we unite in the face of adversity and stay true to ourselves whatever is thrown at us. Our proud history shows that you can’t keep a good Scouser down!
If you could describe Liverpool in 3 words what would they be?
Warm, Welcoming and Alive.
Name one place in Liverpool that holds a special place in your heart?
Walton, where I lived as a baby until we moved down south for my dad’s work. I finally moved back in 2018 after 38 years away and off the back of a period of deep trauma, upheaval and debilitating depression after my marriage ended. I know I belong here. Goodison Park is here and I needed to be close by before she is no more. This is and always has been ‘Home’.
Is there anything on your ‘Bucket List’ to do in Liverpool that your still yet to achieve?
Sing live on stage at The Cavern? Get a painting up at the Walker Art Gallery? Fall in love?
Do you have any tales of Liverpool or claim to fame while in the city?
My Nanna ran the cocktail lounge upstairs at the Philharmonic pub for a while in the ‘60s. There was a strict dress code and one afternoon a certain Brian Epstein walked in with his shirt collar undone and no tie. She informed him he was not dressed appropriately. He gave it the old “do you know who I am?” and our Peggy replied “yes, I do indeed Mr Epstein, now there’s a gentleman’s outfitters just round the corner, I suggest you pop down and get yourself a tie”. And off he went!
My great grandfather worked as hall keeper at the Empire for several years after the war and welcomed the likes of Sinatra, Laurel & Hardy and Judy Garland at the stage door over the years. The foremost American variety performer, singer and actor at that time, Danny Kaye, appeared there in 1949 and after the show a crowd of autograph hunters were waiting outside. When the stage door opened one of the throng made a dash for the door. My great grandad confronted him and took a punch on the nose for his troubles and his glasses were broken, but Danny Kaye was saved the hassle of an unwelcome intruder!
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