Nocturne to the City, 1979 (oil on canvas)

Cockrill painted this view from the roof of his studio at the Bridewell in Liverpool. The Bridewell are still artist’s studios today. The view depicts the Royal Liverpool University Hospital which lies on the edge of the University of Liverpool campus, close to the Victoria Gallery and Museum. The brooding atmosphere of this landscape was influenced by Cockrill's trip to America and appreciation of the work of Edward Hopper. Cockrill taught at Liverpool School of Art from 1966 until 1980 before moving to London to become the Keeper of the Royal Academy of Arts Schools. Nocturne to the City was his last major work before he left Liverpool.