THE exquisite handcrafted tiles which decorate the floor of St George’s Hall have been unveiled to the public for the first time in almost three years.

Some 30,000 Minton tiles are now ready for visitors to enjoy, having been covered up since 2007.

Covering 140ft by 72ft, the mosaic floor was laid in 1852, at a cost of £3,000.

The hand-crafted tiles depict tritons, sea nymphs and boys on dolphins, as well as the city's coat of arms.

The city council’s executive member for tourism, Cllr Gary Millar, said: “Thanks to our Capital of Culture year, the building was seen by millions following events such as the 2008 opening ceremony where images of the hall were broadcast worldwide.

“It is, after all, one of Liverpool’s greatest cultural assets, and we want to do everything we can to encourage as many people as possible to visit this amazing building.

“There are huge numbers of people who now want to see the inside of the venue and see the beautiful Minton tiles up close.

“The response when we last unveiled the tiles was phenomenal, and I’m sure we’ll have the same level of interest again.”

The geometric designs inside consist of circles, the largest of which, at 40 feet in diameter, depicts the Royal Arms surrounded by a laurel wreath and stars of 16 points.

It was one of the last things to be done before the inauguration of St George’s Hall, in 1854.

Since the 1860s, the tiles have been protected with a raised wooden floor and unveilings are rare.

The last public showing was in April, 2007, after the £23m restoration of the hall.

This time, the hall will be open from January 30 to February 15, between 10am to 5pm every day, with a £1 entry fee.