its modernity, unsurprisingly, the critical assessment of Oriel Chambers was far more favourable in the 20th century. Nikolaus Pevsner called it "one of the most remarkable buildings of its date in Europe" and in his earlier book, Pioneers of Modern Design, describes to thus: The delicacy of the ironwork in the plate-glass oriel windows and the curtain walling at the back with the vertical supports retracted yet visible from outside is almost unbelievably ahead of its time. Architect Adam Caruso (born 1962) describes Oriel Chambers in near poetic words: Its membranous windows are almost an expression of the open space of the interior pressing out into the space of the street. Today Today the building looks a little different, combining its period architecture with a 1950s extension added after German aerial bombing destroyed a small section during World War II. In 2006 it was purchased from DCT Developments by Bruntwood for just over £5 million who then spent £750,000 refurbishing the building. Bruntwood sold the building in 2019 to Yakel Property Investment who planned to undertake works to update the building. The building's primary tenant is a set of barristers' chambers, which have been in occupation in various parts since 1965. Popular culture Oriel Chambers and 16 Cook Street were featured in the first episode of the ITV (Granada / Tyne Tees) television series Grundy's Northern Pride, looking at John Grundy's favourite buildings in the north of England, aired on 9 January 2007. References See also Architecture of Liverpool Grade I listed buildings in Liverpool Grade I listed office buildings Chicago school (architecture)