The famous Blacklers’ Father Christmas has gone on display for the first time in more than 20 years at the Museum of Liverpool.
The giant Santa, which is just over five metres tall, was originally made in 1957 by Peter Blazey and his colleagues in the Blacklers display studio, and was resident between 1957 and 1988 in the festive period.
The department store stood on the corner of Elliott Street and Great Charlotte Street and was famous for its winter displays and Christmas grotto, which was a must for children every year.
The model made occasional charity appearances after Blacklers closed in 1988, however eventually all that was left was his head, hands and boots, which Mr Blazey donated to the museum back in 2013.
He has since redeveloped and restored the original body and costume, which has been funded by Phil and Alexis Redmond, past Trustees of National Museums Liverpool.
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Liverpool-born Brenda Evans, 66, told JMU Journalism: “I was eight the first time I saw Santa at Blacklers and I remember clear as day coming to see him every year with my mother.
“It was a very special occasion for all the children in Liverpool and I’m so glad he’s back on show so I have the opportunity to bring my grandchildren and make new memories.”
Santa was unveiled at the Museum of Liverpool on November 15th and will be on show in the main hall until December 30th.
Mr Blazey told the Liverpool Echo: “Seeing Santa go back on display 59 years after I made it for the wonderful Blacklers store is a proud moment. I hope a new generation of Liverpool children will love it and it will continue to bring festive cheer.”