OVERDALE - built 1884, architect G. E. Grayson.

We are unusually fortunate that The Woolton Society's archives contain a copy of the Specification for this house, drawn up by G. E. Grayson, architect, and dated Dec. 1883.

George Enoch Grayson (c.1834-1912) set up in practice in Liverpool in 1860, took Edward A. Ould (c.1850-1909) into partnership in 1886, retired on the last day of 1899 and died in 1912.

In Woolton Grayson was architect of the Village Club in 1885; and St Peter's Church with the Foundation Stone laid on 30 May 1886 must have been one of the first works of the partnership. We attribute the Lych Gate to Edward Ould and note that with the appearance of Ould the firm's standard of design became outstanding.

It is not possible to say what Grayson's domestic architecture was like before his partnership with Ould because not enough of his work is known; so we cannot say whether Overdale is characteristic of his work.

We can pass Overdale daily for years without taking any notice of it; but today, having just looked at Aymestrey Court, built a couple of years earlier, we must stop and look properly. (This building too is in multiple occupation, hence too many pipes.)

Architectural description - Stylistically - and this is so refreshing after Aymestrey Court - here we see an architect in complete control of the plan, and the elevations accord with the plan. It is a very simple building and highly satisfactory. Possibly because Grayson was building to a limited budget, there are no displays of decorative features; just simple but subtle strings of polychromatic brickwork.

The contrast between the red brick and white painted woodwork of the Porch is the only reflection of the Queen Anne movement -red brick and tile hanging are the characteristics - and the Porch is the only part reflecting this style. In as minor a detail as the buttresses of the Porch there is a judicious choice of a suitable motif.

The rest of the building is shorn of all extraneous details.

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