Between 2007 and 2015 I worked at CZWG architects, the Architectural studio behind a very unique Liverpool building called the Bling Bling Building .
I had been looking forward to seeing it live, for a very long time, but had not have the chance to do so until last year (before the world went into lockdown)
Designed to be home to Herbert of Liverpool, the well known hairdresser who past in 2018, it was a significant piece within Grosvenor's Liverpool One shopping quarter.
Despite its (small) scale, you can see it from afar and , during my visit, I was able to appreciate how fitting it is in terms of scale and position within the cityscape.
A year or so after the building opened (roughly around the time I joined the studio) I saw a program about Herbert and I remember him speaking to the TV crew from within the projecting golden box. I remember the view across the historical buildings and was looking forward to seeing the contrast. It did not disappoint.
I was surprised to find it closed but with rumours of a global pandemic I imagined they were simply preparing. However, I have since read that the family decided to close the business (which has run since the 60s) after his departure.
This brings me to a question I have wondered in the context of a business that uses the name of the founder as their trading name. When is it "right" to keep the name of someone who no longer forms part of the business as the brand to attract clients?
Last week I attended one of the many amazing workshops at the Business &IP centre at the British library where the importance of a trademark was discussed and examples such as the best known British home fragrance company (sold on and still trading with the name of its founder) and the big factory of dreams (where the surname of its founder is known everywhere) were given.
On those examples , ppl are not expecting to see the founders pop in or be part of the design process... however, I wonder if the rules are the same for creative businesses where the founder has set the direction which attracts the client's attention? (This is a genuine question and I am fully aware that each project is made possible by a team.)
