in Registered Charity No. 1081435 Spring Newsletter 2011

EDITORIAL NEWS will be held from 25 February to 4 The Victorian Society named New Chair of the Victorian Society Town Hall as one of its Top Ten March. The Manchester Victorian Professor Hilary J. Grainger is Dean endangered buildings in 2009. This Society will be contributing and we of Academic Development and enormously effective campaign hope the members will support these Quality Assurance at the highlights the plight of neglected activities. We would like to encourage College of Fashion, University of Victorian and Edwardian buildings. members to attend our events the Arts, London. An architectural As a result of this crusade the council throughout the year as they are historian with a particular interest were forced to act, and commissioned entirely self-financing and represent in the late nineteenth and early a Conservation Management Plan excellent value for money. twentieth centuries, she is the leading and voted to spend more than £1 authority on both the late Victorian million on the building to attract a We are pleased to be able to domestic architect, Sir Ernest George suitable developer. showcase new research. Helene and the architecture of British Connor from New Zealand submitted crematoria. She has lectured and We are reproducing an article printed an article about published widely in these areas. in the Oldham Chronicle in December who lived in Manchester 1818-1854. 2010 after Dr Ian Dungavell, Director She wrote novels that portrayed of the Victorian Society, and Oldham many aspects of the city in her councillors toured the building. It lifetime. Helen’s critique gives reinforces the need for vigilance and insights into the cosmopolitan life celebrates examples of good practice. being led by the literary circles in Victorian Manchester. If any readers The Society has helped turn the tide would like to submit articles for of public opinion about Victorian consideration please send them to buildings. In the decades following the contact address at the end of this the Second World War many were editorial. facing demolition. Publicity and recruitment are important for the It was with much sadness that we work to continue. With this aim the heard about the death of Margaret Saving a Century exhibition compiled Donohoe. She had served on the in 2008 has toured the country committee of the Manchester Group extensively. Steve Roman, National for many years and there have been Membership Trustee and the numerous letters sent expressing Manchester representative on the affection and regard for her. A dinner national committee has written to commemorate her will be held at the explaining his work and the success former Reform Club (now Room Professor Hilary J. Grainger of the retrospective exhibition. Restaurant) on Monday 4th July at photograph © Karin Askham/Pace 7.00 pm. A separate letter has been Chen In March, we were able to welcome posted to all members but if you have Hilary J. Grainger to Manchester. not received it and would like to go Her book Death Redesigned: British She is the new Chair of The Victorian then please contact Steve Roman Crematoria, History, Architecture Society and a council member and 0161 434 2908. It is open to everyone. and Landscape, published by Trustee of The Cremation Society of Spire Books in 2005, was jointly Great Britain. Her entertaining Diana Terry May 2011, commended in 2006 as an account of the work of Sir Ernest newsletter editor outstanding work of reference by George was enjoyed by all. the Chartered Institute of Library [email protected] and Information Professionals. She Manchester Metropolitan University is Co-Investigator in a team based is organising another Histories The Manchester Victorian Society at Durham University, funded by a Festival in 2012. We remember the c/o Portico Library Leverhulme Trust Research Award, terrific success of the last Festival in 57 Mosley Street writing the history of cremation 2009 and how it drew in the wider Manchester M2 3HY in modern Scotland. She is a public and demonstrated an immense The Victorian Society is the champion for Victorian council member and trustee of The popular appetite for history. In 2012 it and Edwardian buildings in and Wales. Cremation Society of Great Britain. 1 Her book The Architecture of Sir many more and we would like to hear unused at the heart of the neglected Ernest George was published by about them.’ structure. Spire Books on 11 May 2011. ‘In many cases the money for Oldham Council pledged £700,000 Ernest George (1839 – 1922) was restoration simply isn’t there, but in April to secure the future of the one of the greatest late Victorian these buildings mustn’t be left to iconic building, which was in danger domestic architects who, with his rot. The cost of weather-proofing of deteriorating to the point where it three successive partners, carried a building and protecting if from was impossible to save. Work began out over 200 works at home and vandals need not be huge, but it can in July and is now finished. It is now abroad. Widely acclaimed in his own make a massive difference. Without waiting for the next phase — the offer time, he was also a watercolourist this sort of help some buildings may of a partner to carry out a £900,000 and etcher of significance. This is the be beyond repair by the time the development to bring it back into use, first full study of George’s career, art economy picks up again.’ possibly for retail or leisure. and buildings and will firmly establish his reputation as a leader of his Buildings don’t have to be listed to be profession. Magnificently illustrated nominated, and many good Victorian and including new photography by buildings aren’t listed, but they should leading architectural photographer be at risk, perhaps of demolition, Martin Charles, the text is scholarly from insensitive development or yet highly readable. A full catalogue neglect. They need to have been built of works and an important new between 1837 and 1914. account of the 79 pupils and assistants known to have passed ‘All over the country there are through his office, including Edwin wonderful examples of Victorian and Lutyens, Guy Dawber, and Ethel . If you live Mary Charles, the first female RIBA near a building at risk that you think member, add considerable value to is worth saving, then we want to hear this pioneering work. about it.’

Charity launches nationwide search The nominations will be considered to find the ten most endangered by the Society’s experts on buildings architecture and conservation, and The Victorian Society has launched a Top Ten will be published in the an appeal to find the nation’s top ten autumn. buildings at risk. It is now calling on Mark Watson, Ian Dungavell, Chris people living in Greater Manchester Buildings can be nominated in the Costelloe, Kay Knox and Mike to nominate endangered Victorian following ways: Via the website at Buckley visit Oldham Town Hall or Edwardian buildings in their local www.victoriansociety.org.uk area. By emailing katie@victoriansociety. The Victorian Society champions the org.uk country’s Victorian and Edwardian The campaign aims to highlight By post: 1 Priory Gardens, London, buildings, seeing them as a vital and the problems facing many of our W4 1TT irreplaceable part of Britain’s herit- historic buildings and nominations The deadline for nominations this age. Dr Ian Dungavell, was part of in previous years have included year is 17th July 2011. the trio who toured the Grade II-listed Victorian schools, mills, former building with Councillor Kay Knox, workhouses, pubs, stately homes A hall lot of history brought back Cabinet member for leisure, culture, and chapels. to life heritage and tourism services, and The Victorian Society has given Councillor Mike Buckley, Oldham’s ‘We want to make sure the best Oldham Council a big thumbs-up heritage champion. Victorian and Edwardian architecture for carrying out vital work to take survives for future generations to the old town hall off the nation’s top He said it was rare for a local enjoy, but to do this we need to know 10 endangered buildings list. Three authority to step in to this extent and what is most at risk from demolition, officials from the society toured the congratulated Oldham Council on development, or simply neglect’, building by torchlight to see the its foresight. Celebrating its removal said Dr Ian Dungavell, Director of steps taken to make it structurally from the top 10 on the endangered the Victorian Society. ‘At the moment sound, weatherproof and watertight. list, he was making his first steps wide-ranging council cuts mean They dodged scaffolding supporting inside the old town hall. He said: ‘I’m certain building types are under some of the buildings treasured amazed. It is such a solid building. threat as never before; we’ve been features which date back more than It’s important both culturally and told about some of the libraries, town 170 years. And they marvelled at for its craftsmanship, and for its halls or swimming pools now facing the austere court room which for part in local heritage. It’s one of an uncertain future but there will be the most part is in tact, and lies the buildings that make Oldham, 2 Oldham. Some areas have been advice on the conversion to new-use buildings of special architectural and damaged by water, but the council of historic former places of worship. historic interest.’ quite rightly seized the moment to go to http://www.english-heritage. ensure the building will be here in org.uk/publications/new-uses-former- Developer, Horwich Vision Ltd, wants the future.’ places-of-worship/ to download the to build 1600 homes on the site, as guidance, or for a hard-copy email well as offices and shops in a move The Victorian Society raised the alert [email protected] which will expand the town of just over 12 months ago following Horwich and create up to 4000 jobs. concern from conservationists, English Heritage has launched the campaigners and members of start of its annual Heritage at Risk The Horwich Loco Works was built in the public. It also highlighted the research, which this year will focus 1886 by the and importance of the building’s history, on industrial heritage at risk such as Yorkshire Railway to build and repair which includes Winston Churchill textile mills, coal mines, canals, engines. At one stage the factory was standing on the steps to make his railways, warehouses, brick works, the largest employer in the town. The acceptance speech when he was potteries, breweries, gas works, wind site, which closed down in 1983, is elected MP in 1900. and watermills, ports, docks and home to an impressive office building harbours. as well as a series of long brick-built Councillor Knox said it was now workshops with full-height arched in a condition where it offered a EH will look at how much of the windows. viable redevelopment opportunity, country’s industrial heritage is at risk but admitted there was no “quick of neglect, decay or demolition in ‘Many of these buildings could be fix” solution. She said: ‘The old order to raise the debate about what adapted and reused and it is town hall should not be a symbol of needs saving and how. It will reveal shameful that instead of seeing its neglect — it should be a source of the results of its Industrial Heritage at heritage as an irreplaceable asset, civic pride. We will not rest in our Risk research, including what the Bolton Council seems to view it as an efforts to make this a more attractive public think about our industrial past, impediment to development.’ and marketable development in October this year at the launch of opportunity.’ the annual Heritage at Risk register. The Victorian Society is calling on Marina Berry 7 December 2010 You can get involved now by posting Bolton Council to change its Oldham Chronicle photographs and comments at http:// approach and press for a www.flickr.com/groups/industrialherit- conservation-led development of this Salford Good Design Awards 2010 ageatrisk important site. The first Good Design Awards Ceremony sponsored by Ask Bolton Council accused of Property Developments took MARGARET DONOHOE shameful attempt to remove place at The Lowry Theatre on 1931-2010 heritage safeguards Wednesday 10 November 2010. A proposal by Bolton Council to Manchester Group members pay The night saw six categories of remove the Conservation Area status their tributes to Margaret awards including the Joe Martin of the Horwich Loco Works has been Conservation Award named after condemned by the Victorian Society, I first got to know Margaret Donohoe Salford’s Conservation officer who when we became members of the sadly died in 2010. The conservation The Horwich Loco Works is a key Manchester branch of the Victorian award was presented to Bate and part of the heritage of the Bolton Society, and discovered that we had Taylor Architects and Salford R.C. area, which is why it was designated both been born and brought up in Diocesan Trustees for the Salford as a Conservation Area only five adjoining suburbs of Manchester. Cathedral Centre. This major project years ago. Removing this status She subsequently became the most involved the conversion of a Grade would make it easier to demolish the loyal of friends. II listed building (formerly part of the Loco Works, as there would be no Salford Education Office and before need to apply for specific consent. She was one of the most supportive that a Victorian school) to provide and generous people I have ever pastoral/administrative headquarters ‘Bolton Council is taking a very known, energetic and always busy for the Diocese of Salford. The cynical approach to its heritage by and active. She was also extremely scheme includes a variety of uses attempting to bypass an important generous with her time, and her including a bookshop, heritage level of heritage protection’, said hospitality knew no bounds, centre, lecture/seminar rooms, Chris Costelloe, Conservation entertaining frequently in her lovely offices and ancillary facilities all Adviser for the Victorian Society. flat in Altrincham, gathering a variety arranged around a landscaped ‘Conservation Area status doesn’t of people about her, often including courtyard prevent change; it just means that myself and my husband Graham. any demolition must be carefully New English Heritage guidance: considered in order to get the She introduced me to the Bowdon new uses for former places of balance right between the need for branch of NADFAS (National worship This document provides change and the need to preserve Association of Decorative and Fine 3 Arts Society); I went to my first and I was very grateful! Further, she We were among the many members lectures with her, and subsequently would promise to my anxious ears, who benefited from her thorough became a member. She invited me, that her trips would break even and organisation, industry and care she together with other members, to there would be no call on the Group’s put into the tours she undertook over Christmas gatherings at her flat - hard earned resources to subsidise the years and we shall recall the cheerful and jolly occasions. She was them. Quite an achievement as they valuable experiences and happy always the life and soul of any party! were complex and included many moments we were able to share with Her love of smart clothes was always elements! As an event organiser in her. Through her attention to the a most attractive quality too! my work life, I know that you are only important travel details that she took as good as your last event, and care of so diligently, we went home She was also an intrepid traveller Margaret managed not to put a foot with most enjoyable and happy and (and accomplished linguist) wrong and developed the confidence enlightened memories. organising visits abroad for the of her fellow travellers. Margaret was Tony and Betty Wakefield March 2011 Victorian Society; I remember Membership Officer for many years. I particularly visits to St Petersburg, I first met Margaret when I joined the Nice (where she had a second home) Manchester branch of the Victorian and Brussels. Society and soon found myself helping the then editor of the I feel honoured to have known her, newsletter with useful tasks, some of and I miss her more than I can say. which took place in her roomy flat in Ann M Redford April 2011 Altrincham that she shared with her mother. We liked each other Margaret Donohoe was an active immediately and had many interests member of the Manchester Group of in common - she coming occasionally the Victorian Society. She was a with me to musical events and me committee member and membership accompanying her to the Royal secretary for many years; giving a Exchange Theatre, where we warm welcome to new members. The frequently enjoyed matinees. These many events she organised or would be followed by a pleasant helped to organise were thoroughly evening meal. Other meals took planned and always interesting. place in Altrincham’s cafes, whilst our Margaret was very cosmopolitan and visits to Tatton Park flower show she drew on her wide knowledge and became regular events, both of us experience to organise trips abroad. admiring the many small gardens The Berlin holiday for instance, was a presented to our gaze that we felt we great experience for all the could relate to. Our conversations participants – a varied mixture of flowed easily from topic to topic visits, good fellowship and one came within, and outside of our away with a very memorable experiences, me finding her range of overview of a great European city. Margaret with her trade mark scarf professional positions impressive in and smile on the Berlin trip. themselves, and contributing much to Margaret was a “traditional” lady but Photograph:Margaret Clarke her recollections ‘du temps perdu’. also interested in and responsive to new ideas. She enjoyed good food could always rely on her report for Much to my regret I could never and wine, was a lively conversation- the AGM being concise, on time and accompany her on the many foreign alist and her own hospitality was very well written: and she also contributed holidays that she organized so generous. To me personally, she was to the newsletter production. In expertly, but I shall always remember a valued and much respected friend, conclusion, though I’m focusing on her with the warmest thoughts and in good times and bad. Her bright backroom operations, her contribu- affection, admiration and respect and presence will be very much missed. tions to the workings of the as one of the most valiant, interesting, Jill Matthews May 2011 Committee were consistently reliable kind and generous of persons. I shall and, consequently, the Manchester never forget her and will continue to Being Secretary for the Manchester Group as a whole benefited greatly. miss her loving presence very much. Group for many years, I’ll focus on Thank you Margaret. Sheila Lemoine. April 2011 my memories of Margaret’s Sue Dawson April 2011 contribution in administrative terms. We first met Margaret at a VicSoc When Margaret was planning a trip, Betty and I have been saddened by meeting at Manchester Town Hall in and promised to contribute its outline the news of Margaret Donohoe’s the mid-nineties and since she lived for the newsletter, her copy would sudden death and the shock will in Altrincham we travelled home arrive on time, concise and well have been felt across the whole of together. written, not needing any alteration. the membership in Manchester, I’m This happened on many occasions sure. Margaret was a private person, and 4 apart from discovering that she had St Petersburg. The city was led to a problem free trip. Where recently retired from work at the EU celebrating its 300th anniversary but appropriate she would also organise in Brussels and was now living near there were still many signs of the a visit to the British Council which her elderly mother, we learnt little of long period of Communism and greatly enhanced our insight into the her earlier life. The Victorian Society finding restaurants was not always country. Prior to a trip we would also was an important part of Margaret’s easy. Our local guide was a pleasant be invited to her flat in Altrincham to life in retirement, and she enthusiasti- woman but very much in the mould enjoy a delicious buffet and drinks cally joined the Manchester of the previous era and one result and discuss the itinerary. Margaret Committee and became famous for was a very long wait to view the was famous for her late arrivals at organizing overseas trips. Over an Peterhof Palace as she refused to airports and railway stations where eleven-year period from 1998 to pay a bribe to the custodian! Another she would arrive totally unflustered 2009 she organised seven trips memory of this visit was the number and quite oblivious to the agitated usually lasting four days, and we of members who had their purses state of those already assembled. were privileged to join her on six of these. The first was to Brussels which, of course, she knew like the back of her hand, where she had many friends and we greatly enjoyed visiting privately owned art deco houses. We were also given our first introduction to the euro, since she had contacts who provided specimen coins for us to inspect.

Her next venture was rather more local but still ‘abroad’ as we visited the Isle of Mann, where she arranged for the IOM Victorian Society to guide us, through the good offices of their Chairman, Peter Kelly. The event culminated with a visit to the Mayor’s parlour at Douglas Town Hall, where we were greeted by the Mayor and Mayoress and Minister for Transport and Tourism. Despite rather indifferent hotel accommodation the trip was voted a great success with visits to a Victorian model farm, Jill Matthews and Margaret Donohoe at the final dinner during the Berlin churches and of course the Victorian trip. Photograph:Tony Wakefield steam railway. and wallets stolen on public Margaret will be very sadly missed at transport and in the street, and the meetings, at the Christmas event Margaret enjoyed a second home in Margaret suffered as well. Typically, and, of course, especially for those Nice, which she would visit as often she shrugged it off lightly, and the overseas visits. No more shall we as possible after the death of her very next day we had to point out see that radiant smile and those Mother, and it was therefore no that her handbag was wide open in lovely scarves which she wore to surprise to hear she was planning a a busy street! such great effect. Thank you trip there in 2001. We all enjoyed a Margaret for your great service to the splendid holiday with visits to the Our next visit was to Barcelona in Victorian Society in Manchester. casino in Monte Carlo and across the 2005 where we visited the great Michael & Joan Davies. May 2011 Italian frontier to Bordighera. unfinished Sagrada Familia and Memories of the little café there, other Gaudi works. A visit to A commemorative dinner in memory where we all pooled what little Italian Budapest was undertaken in 2007, of Margaret Donohoe will take place currency we could muster will long be the only trip we missed, and then on Monday 4 July 2011 at 7.00 pm at remembered. Margaret was a devout finally in October 2009 we had a Room Restaurant, the former Reform Anglican and it was no surprise that wonderful visit to Berlin. Despite Club on King Street, Manchester. she was on friendly terms with the non-stop rain until the last morning, The cost is £25. Bookings close on Anglican vicar in Nice, where we we covered all the great sights and 24 June 2011. shown around his church. went out to Potsdam as well. If you haven’t received a booking An entirely new departure was in For all these trips Margaret would do form by post contact Steve Roman August 2003 when Margaret a recce a few weeks earlier at her for details on 0161 434 2908 or email organised a most memorable trip to own expense, and this undoubtedly [email protected]. 5 Geraldine Endsor ginger beer, drugs, and perfumery. interesting and erudite Mancunians Jewsbury (1812-1880) Jewsbury and Whitlow was and visitors. It was not uncommon eventually dissolved and in 1845, the for guests to the Jewsbury household Nineteenth Century Mancunian, company became known as to mingle with company from France, Novelist and Literary Critic and her Jewsbury and Brown which went on Italy, Germany and Greece. One connections with Aotearoa, New to become a Manchester landmark prominent Greek family, the Zealand and Jewsbury’s toothpaste, a Dilberoglues, were particularly close ‘national institution’. to the Jewsburys. Introduction I developed an appreciation and Theatrical folk would also frequent interest in Geraldine Jewsbury since the Jewsbury drawing-room including reading her novels, Zoe (1845), and the well-known American actress, The Half Sisters (1848) in the early Charlotte Cushman. Thomas Carlyle 1990s. My relative, John George and his wife Jane also visited Cooke (1819–1880) had been a Geraldine in Manchester. During close friend of both Geraldine Jane’s first visit, Geraldine introduced Jewsbury and Jane Carlyle and a her to Samuel Bamford and frequent visitor to the famous Carlyle organized visits to foundries, printing parlour, Cheyne Row in Chelsea. mills and warehouses so Jane could This brief article provides an take in the sights of the bustling city overview of Geraldine Jewsbury’s life in all its industrial reality (Howe, p. in Manchester, her friendship with 60). Thomas Carlyle visited the Jane Welsh Carlyle and her Jewsburys in 1847 and also met connections with Aotearoa, New Samuel Bamford (1788-1872) and Zealand, via her two friends, John other friends of the Jewsburys at George Cooke and Walter Baldock several small parties held in his Durrant Mantell. honour. He was a Lancashire author of several popular poems; a weaver A Manchester Heritage and was well respected in northern In 1818, when Geraldine was six radical circles as a reformer. years old, her family left Measham and moved to Manchester where her Geraldine Jewsbury (1850s) Mantell In November 1850 Geraldine and father became the Manchester agent Album, Alexander Turnbull Library, Frank moved to a larger house at 2 for the West of England Insurance Wellington, Photographer unknown Birchfield Terrace at Ardwick. During Company (Howe, p. 29). Their first this period her third novel, Marian home in the industrial city was at 6 Maria Jane Jewsbury married in Withers (1851) was serialised in the George Street and then later the 1832 and Geraldine took over the Manchester Examiner and Times and family moved to 42 Grosvenor Street, reins of household management, then later was published in three (Howe, p. 6). Manchester at this time caring for her father and her younger volumes. Marian Withers was set in was a boom town with many migrants brother, Frank who took an active Manchester and explores themes of coming to Manchester seeking to role in Manchester affairs, serving on industrialism, entrepreneurship and make their fortunes. The Jewsbury the Council and also as Governor of unrequited love. It was frequently family were part of this migrant influx. the Athenæum . viewed as a counter novel to Mrs Gaskell’s Mary Barton (1848) ‘where Geraldine’s sister, Maria Jane was 19 In 1843 Geraldine and Frank the manufacturer is restored to his years old when their mother died and transferred their household to 30 pedestal’ (Howe, p. 111). Marian she became responsible for the Carlton Terrace, Greenheys where Wither’s father, John Withers, is management of the household and they lived close to the Gaskells who portrayed as a model employer, the care of her father and five resided at 42 Plymouth Grove. Their improving his machines and paying siblings. Despite her heavy domestic little sitting room was to become a his workers well. Marian Withers load, Maria Jane also managed to social and intellectual hub of was critiqued as portraying many find time for writing and struck up a Manchester where Geraldine aspects of Lancashire and friendship with provided supper, coffee, cigars and Manchester life realistically and and his sister Dorothy. Shortly after cigarettes. Guests to this sociable credibly (Howe, p. 114). the family’s move to Manchester, home included individuals such as Geraldine’s brother, Henry, was Thomas Ballantyne (Editor of the At the age of 42, in 1854, some apprenticed to a pharmacist, a Mr J Manchester Guardian); Alexander eighteen months after her brother W Gaulter. In 1826, Henry, aged 23, Ireland (editor of The Manchester Frank’s marriage, Geraldine left her formed the partnership of Jewsbury Examiner and Times); Francis Manchester home and moved to and Whitlow with another former Espinasse (writer); Hepworth Dixon London, initially lodging at 3 Oakley apprentice and the two young men (editor of the Athenæum); John Street, Chelsea, so she could be supplied the city with soda water, Stores Smith (writer) and many other close to Jane Carlyle. Geraldine was 6 a frequent visitor to the famed abode children’s stories: The History of an References at Cheyne Row where the Carlyles Adopted Child (1852) and Angelo welcomed many literary figures, (1855); edited Lady Morgan Memoirs, Howe, Susanne (1935). Geraldine philosophers and social critics of the (1862). She contributed to a variety Jewsbury: Her life and errors. time including: Leigh Hunt, Erasmus of periodicals including: Douglas London: Allen Unwin. Darwin, John Stuart Mill, Charles Jerrod’s Shilling Magazine, The Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Westminster Review, Frances Jewsbury, Geraldine (1845/1989). John Ruskin, Sir John Millais, Alfred Espinasse’s Inspector, Dicken’s Zoe: The History of Two Lives. Ed. Tennyson, Elizabeth Barrett Household Words, Lloyd’s Weekly Shirley Foster. London: Virago. Browning, Robert Browning and Newspaper and she also wrote over many others. 2,300 reviews for the Athenæum Jewsbury, Geraldine (1848/1994). which was a widely read literary and The Half Sisters. Ed. Joanne Wilkes. Connections with Aotearoa, New scientific periodical, published Oxford: Oxford University Press. Zealand between 1828 and 1923. It grew to Both Geraldine Jewsbury and Jane become one of the most influential Jewsbury, Geraldine (1851/2009). Welsh Carlyle had a close friendship periodicals of the Victorian period Marian Withers. Ebook. http://www. with John George Cook who lived in eventually metamorphosing into The kobobooks.com/ebook/ New Zealand during the 1840s. He New Statesman. Marian-Withers/book had entered the Royal Naval College at Portsmouth in 1832. He records Geraldine Endsor Jewsbury was a Stevens, Joan (1969). ‘John George visiting his Austen relations here: Mancunian literary figure of Cooke and his literary connections’. ‘Admiral Sir Francis Austen and considerable esteem and repute yet Turnbull Library Record, 1969, Vol 2, Captain Charles Austen - own both she and her sister, Maria Jane issues 2, pp 40 – 52. brothers to my beloved Jane Austen, Jewsbury have all but been erased whose works I know by heart’ from the Manchester landscape. Helene Connor Aukland 2011 (Stevens, 1969). In 1841 John Visiting Manchester in December George Cooke, sailed for New 2009 I went to the Manchester MANCHESTER GROUP - EVENT Zealand where he farmed land at Visitor Information Centre where I REVIEWS New Plymouth and was a local came away very much disappointed. magistrate. He returned to England Not only was there no exhibition or The Road from the Isles: the Rise in 1851. monument to Geraldine but on of Birkenhead By Elizabeth Davey further investigation I was able to find Wednesday 29 September 2010 John George Cooke introduced his a few of her old letters and at the YHA friend Walter Baldock Durrant Mantell John Ryland’s Library, Deansgate, to the Carlyles and Geraldine some of Maria Jane Jewsbury’s The Wirral peninsula is now Jewsbury in 1856. She letters and writings have been dominated by the town of Birkenhead corresponded with Walter Mantell for archived. Likewise, research into which faces Liverpool across the over twenty years asking him for a histories of Manchester invariably estuary of the River Mersey. The Maori name and he had suggested mentions Mrs Elizabeth Gaskell but town’s name derives from a 12th Manu, meaning bird. During the three Geraldine Jewsbury rarely seems to century Benedictine Priory built on a year period (1856-1859) Mantell was merit so much as a footnote. headland then called Birchen Head in England, Geraldine wrote to him on account of its birch trees. After the incessantly, sometimes on a daily What she achieved was the dissolution of the monasteries the basis, signing herself as Manu and establishment of a niche and career land was bought back from the crown addressing him as Matara, a translit- for herself where she could live an and eventually, at the start of the 18th eration of Mantell. John George independent and intellectually century, came into the hands of a Cooke had the Maori name of Ku and stimulating life while earning a Liverpool merchant. That arguably the three friends would write to each respectable income as a single was the start of modern Birkenhead other using these Maori nick names. woman. Given Geraldine Jewsbury’s and specifically its relationship to prodigious output as a novelist, Liverpool. Concluding Comments literary critic and publisher’s reader, Geraldine Jewsbury died on 23 her erasure from her home city is In 1817 a paddle steamer ferry September 1880, aged 68. During surprising and indeed, somewhat service started across the Mersey, her life time she had enjoyed a poignant. It is hoped this short article initiating the development of diverse and productive career as a will in some perceptible way address Birkenhead as a salubrious professional writer, a significant this omission and Geraldine residential suburb for Liverpool achievement for a Victorian woman. Jewsbury will come to be merchants. One such was William She wrote six novels, three remembered and celebrated by Laird from Greenock who had moved previously mentioned, and also, The Mancunians with much the same to work in the family rope works in Sorrows of Gentility (1854); pride as her contemporary, Elizabeth Liverpool. In 1824 he moved to Constance Herbert (1855) and Right Gaskell. Birkenhead, founded his ironworks or Wrong (1859). She also wrote two and brought the Dunblane architect 7 work for the Manchester and Salford Bank and studied at the School of Art, Royal Manchester Institution in Mosely Street. Some of his drawings were published in the magazine London Society which enhanced his career prospects and he moved to London in 1872. Some of his work was also published in New York including illustrations for Washington Irving’s Old Christmas and Bracebridge Hall.

The Victorian Christmas in England was developing into a great opportunity to sell illustrated children’s books often having nursery rhyme themes. In 1877 Caldecott was asked by Edmund Evans to illustrate two such books, taking over from Walter Crane whose services Hamilton Square, Birkenhead in the 1950s. Photographer unknown the publisher had lost. This represented a tremendous James Gillespie Graham to design available for it when Hamilton Square opportunity which Caldecott as usual Hamilton Square, reminiscent of his had been planned. capitalised on. The two books were a work in Edinburgh’s New Town. The success and Caldecott produced two architect had also worked on a That square now has a statue of more every Christmas (each with modest New Town development for John Laird, Birkenhead’s first mayor increasing sales) right up to his early Laird at Kyleakin on Skye. This is the and first M.P. following the creation of death. reason for the Birkenhead/Scottish the Parliamentary Borough in 1861. connection reflected in the lecture’s The firm which he had founded The last two Christmas books in title. eventually became Cammel Laird. 1885 were The Great Panjandrum and Mrs Mary Blaize. Throughout his In 1828 William Laird’s son John Following family history, geographical joined the business and triggered and commercial threads Elizabeth diversification from boilers into iron Davey’s talk wove a rich tapestry to steamships. These were quickly tell the tale of this Wirral town. utilised as packet boats to serve David Astbury February 2011 Ireland and the Lancashire and Welsh coasts. As the 19th century Randolph Caldecott 1846 – 1886: progressed, Liverpool developed its a Great Victorian Illustrator docks and became a major maritime by Peter Boughton, BA FSA FRSA city. Alongside it, Birkenhead Wednesday 27 October 2010 YHA Family Servants, Bracegirdle Hall flourished as its “West End” – lying Randolph Caldecott was born in by Washington Irving, illustrated down wind to the south west as were 1846 in and was educated at by R Caldecott, 1877 the salubrious suburbs of all of the King’s School. He is now most England’s growing Victorian cities. In famous for his book illustrations for the Regency period it had also children which in quality are fully started building hotels to cater for the comparable with those of his almost new fashion of visiting the seaside. In exact contemporaries, Kate 1840 the railway came and that Greenaway and Walter Crane. As a business, as elsewhere, increased child, Randolph showed precocious rapidly, assisted by the establishment artistic talent and at the age of 15 in the town of gas and water had a sketch of a major fire at the supplies. Queen’s Hotel in Chester published in the Illustrated London News. Both In 1847 Joseph Paxton’s park (now as a youngster and as a mature artist ‘and at the same time a great listed Grade I by EH) remarkable as he had the ability to create action she-bear,coming down the street, the first municipally funded one, was (and often humour) with a few pops its head into the shop’ from added to the town’s amenities. In the strokes of the pen. The Great Panjandrum Himself 1880s Charles Ellison’s neo-classical by Samuel Foote illustrated by R Town Hall was built on a site made At the age of 21 Caldecott came to Caldecott, 1885 8 life he had suffered poor health and and Mitchell’s Brewery (locally listed). AGM Conservation Report frequently travelled to the continent There were of course cases where Ken Moth, Chairman of the Northern for the sake of his health. But again, this approach had not worked and Buildings Committee (NBC) to Caldecott, this represented an Katie cited several examples in Ken Moth outlined the structure opportunity and not a threat and he London. The usual problem was and operation of the two casework illustrated such books as The Harz that the applicant for demolition committees, noting that the objective Mountains & North Italian Folk. was successful in claiming that of conservation was not to prevent the building could not be adapted, change, rather to avoid unnecessary On a winter visit to Florida shortly although the Society disagreed. It loss and damage by ensuring before his fortieth birthday he died was also possible for developers that proposals were both justified and was buried there. Because of to argue that conservation could and appropriate. He went on to that connection and his fame in the not proceed if detrimental enabling summarise Greater Manchester USA he is commemorated by the development did not go ahead. If the cases dealt with by NBC in 2010. American Library Association building was unlisted, developers awarding annually the Caldecott sometimes succeed in achieving The Memorial Hall, Albert Square Medal for the most significant demolition before a campaign could (II*:Thomas Worthington, 1864-6) illustrated children’s book. In London get under way, as happened at a is an important building which was he is commemorated by a monument Sittingbourne paper mill. in poor condition. The proposal by Sir Alfred Gilbert in the crypt of St was for refurbishment but with the Paul’s Cathedral Some types of buildings were at addition of a new recessed upper particular risk. Schools were a case in storey. We supported repair, and David Astbury November 2010 point. Many of the examples shown felt that the proposals were better were in London but a local one than earlier ideas. We were not was Leigh Girls’ Grammar School, opposed in principle but could not Annual General Meeting and talk currently being demolished. Some fully assess the impact with the Making the Past Part of our Future campaigns had been successful, as information provided. We asked for by Katie Gunning, Campaigns with Elm Court School in Lambeth a proposed view from Albert Square Officer, Victorian Society. where the floor was being raised at so that we could assess the visual Saturday 29 January 2011 great expense. Hospitals were also a impact of the proposed copper The speaker explained her role in problem because they had often been roof. We said that reinstatement of the Society. She was not one of the much altered. A current example was chimneys would help as it would caseworkers but presented their the Royal Sussex County Hospital. draw attention away from new roof. work in a way that would appeal We also asked what was originally to journalists, who were often not Sometimes the threat was not from intended by Worthington and how aware of what the Society did. She plans but from neglect. There were this had informed the current design. would become involved after the several local examples: Oldham Town This information was subsequently Society had responded to the letter Hall, St Ignatius of Antioch in Salford provided to our satisfaction. from the local authority about a and the Welsh Baptist Chapel and planning application, and identify London Road Fire Station in London Road Fire Station (II*; aspects suitable for a press release. Manchester. The problem lay in getting Woodhouse, Willoughby & An example was a pump house the owner or the local authority to Langham, 1901-06). The Society near Battersea Power station where take action. Fortunately progress had was consulted by Manchester City the emphasis was in refuting the been made at Oldham and London Council on an application submitted applicant’s claim that the building Road. The problem of neglect was by Britannia Hotels to convert this could not be re-used. likely to get worse as the slump in building to a four-star hotel. Despite demand for property had caused many almost 20 years of neglect it is in Katie explained that thinking about development schemes to lapse, for reasonably good condition and very conservation had become more example Kinmel Park near Abergele. intact with original fittings still in sophisticated since the early days. place. The principal rooms on the There was more emphasis on the Katie also mentioned the activities of ground floor would be kept undivided. wastefulness of demolishing old urban explorers, who made frequent New openings would be created buildings that could be re-used. incursions into buildings such as the to give access to the courtyard The unavoidable buzzword was Royal Liverpool Seamen’s Hospital and to link the currently separated ‘sustainability’. The importance of and Barnes Hospital, Cheadle, where parts of the building. There would getting local communities involved the security staff could not cope. On be very little change to the exterior was also recognised and the the one hand they could provide photo- appearance and the approach was Society’s press releases reflected graphs that helped the Society to make largely one of repair rather than this. Some local examples where the a case for retention, as had happened replacement. The main changes threat had receded, at least for the at Wadhurst in Sussex, but they could would be the subdivision of the time being, were Sale Hotel (listed also encourage other trespassers with upper floors to provide bedrooms, after a belated Building Preservation less benign intentions. an extension to the east end of Order), Clitheroe Hospital (unlisted) David Astbury January 2011 the courtyard and glazing over the 9 courtyard. The upper floors were house these facilities had also been a high turnover of congregation. The originally used to accommodate the suggested. Substantial flights of current entrance is through the base firemen. We welcomed the sensitive stairs to all entrances make providing of the tower on the opposite side of approach. Our only concern was for disabled access a problem. The the building to Platt Lane making it the design of the glazed roof over the Committee did not object in principle look uninviting and the parish would courtyard. We felt that the columns to the scheme, given that alternative like to make the entrance more were too large and obtrusive. These uses could be difficult to find, but felt visible by bringing the west door back views were conveyed to the Council that using the church as a nursery into use and erecting a glass porch and consent was given, conditional would be unlikely to provide enough in front of it. The existing doors, on various points including those money for the ongoing maintenance which are fairly plain, would be kept made by the Society. Notwithstanding of the building. More information in place. Glass doors and an internal this consent the City Council is was requested about how toilets draught lobby have been ruled out proceeding with a compulsory and wheelchair access would be as space for seating is at a premium purchase order and seeking a provided, as well as the date and inside the church. Inside it was development partner and hotel designer of the pews. proposed to remove all the existing operator to replace Britannia. pews, level the pew platforms and David Morris, Rochdale MBC’s overlay a new floor with carpet of St Edmund the Martyr, Falinge, conservation officer, was subse- an as yet unspecified colour. The Rochdale (I: J. Medland Taylor, quently approached by the pastor of pew ends have decorative cusped 1870-3). The Society was invited to a non-Anglican denomination who terracotta inserts to the same comment on proposals to convert is interested in using the church for design throughout, grained to this church to a nursery. The church worship, but would probably wish to look like wood. Some of the pews has been redundant since 2009. undertake internal alterations. This is have been stripped of their original Work needed to be done on the an important case which is going to varnish, making them much lighter, fabric and a grant application to run and run. and the state of preservation of the English Heritage (EH) would have terracotta inserts varies considerably. been contingent on the church being First Church of Christ, Scientist, Apart from the pulpit, dating from a kept open for another 10 years. Rusholme (I, Edgar Wood, 1903). reordering of 1884, the chancel was It is now in the three-year interim John Archer reported to the NBC on completely stripped of furnishings period between redundancy and unauthorised works carried out at including the organ in the 1970s. the pastoral measure. There is no the church by the new evangelical A dais was put in and the floor was parking nearby and its listing (it was religious organisation that occupies carpeted, although good encaustic upgraded in August 2010) means the building. Works include putting tiling survives in the sanctuary. that only very limited alterations up partitions in the organ loft/gallery The pews were to be replaced with to the interior are possible. An and in the reading room, covering Treske seating (heavy, wooden, evangelical church was briefly over the reredos, knocking down upholstered chairs), although some interested in the building but was original partitions and erecting of the decorative ends would be put off by these constraints, as well large notice boards in front of retained and put on display. Bespoke as by the Masonic symbolism. The the building. There had been a fittings would be produced for the Local Authority’s conservation officer meeting last January to discuss the chancel. The ancillary buildings of pressed for vesting in The Churches unauthorised alterations, attended the 1960s/70s, which completely Conservation Trust, but this was by the Council’s enforcement officer, surround the chancel to well above refused. and an agreement had been reached sill height, would be remodelled and about what to do. Unfortunately there the 1980s extension to them facing The prospective applicant has now seems to be a stalemate with Platt Lane raised by a storey and already set up a nursery in Temple nobody doing anything at all. These clad in terracotta panels. An internal Street Baptist Church in Middleton are serious incursions in a Grade redecoration was also proposed. (Edgar Wood, 1889). Doing the I-listed building, regarded as Edgar same at St Edmund’s would not Wood’s major work. We contacted In our response we stated that require a formal change of use, but the Council and ask them when the building had been generally would necessitate the installation enforcement action is going to be degraded externally and internally of temporary partitions and removal taken, so far without response. at a time when its importance was of the nave pews. These appear not understood and we stressed that to be later and are not very good Holy Trinity Platt Lane Rusholme the current scheme ought to be used and we would not be likely to object (II*, Edmund Sharpe, 1845-6). We as an opportunity to undo damaging to their removal, but toilets and received details of the reordering alterations from then. Removing the a kitchen could be more difficult scheme for this church following pews would remove the ‘landscape’ to accommodate. EH’s inspector a tip-off from a Manchester Group of the floor and carpeting the interior suggested housing them in the member. The proposals were still could adversely affect the acoustics cellar, which is in fact at ground at a very early stage. The church Any alternative seating needed very level. Retaining the organ cases is located in an area with a large careful justification and selection. The and converting them into ‘pods’ to number of students and therefore has new furniture in the chancel needed 10 to have the same quality and dignity roof of the privately owned parish Unitarian Chapel, architect Charles as the pews, and should respond rooms had collapsed. The Society Barry, which is probably the most to the architecture of the building. is working on a listing application for neglected important listed building The nave currently has wood block the building, whose surroundings owned by Manchester City Council. flooring. This is tough and long - the New Barracks Estate - were No plans for its rescue currently in lasting, has a good acoustic and an proposed as a conservation area sight. architecture which responds to the a few years ago, although this did building. The wooden pew platforms not proceed. Darbyshire is a very Agecroft Cemetery Chapel, could be just lowered, salvaging and important local architect and little of architect Sharp. Salford Council has reusing the original materials. We his work is listed. It was suggested come to an agreement with The encouraged the architect to research that the Society could write again to Greater Manchester Building the evolution of the interior and Salford about the conservation area Preservation Trust to restore this. take paint samples to establish the designation and ask when the city’s The remaining Philips Park original decorative scheme. conservation areas had last been Cemetery Chapel is in a deplorable reviewed. state although the cemetery St Paul, Sale (II; HR Price, 1883-84; gatehouse has been restored. tower by Bird and Oldham, 1911). Blackpool Tower and Winter The vicar consulted the Society Whilst obviously not Gardens. Alexandra Park has received a on preliminary plans to remodel Manchester cases, members will be Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 1 Pass the interior of this church and interested to know that these Grade for restoration. sell off the post-war church hall I and Grade II* buildings have been for redevelopment by a housing acquired by Blackpool Borough Holy Name Church Hall, now known association. Under the draft scheme Council. Conservation Management as the pub, Jabez Clegg, the all the fittings in the nave would be Plans have been prepared and conversion plans for this building did removed, a mezzanine would be a gradual process of repair and not meet with the Victorian Society’s inserted at the west end and the improvement has begun. approval but are to go ahead. space below subdivided to provide community facilities. The resulting Mark Watson Manchester Victorian Restoration progress at Victoria worship space would be square, Society’s NBC representative Baths continues to be painfully slow which it was felt would work against gave the following report although the roof repair over the Gala the natural focal point of the building. Poll is now complete. The Friends of The chancel would be partitioned off Oldham Town Hall is in the Victorian the Victoria Baths are raising further with a glass screen that would be Society’s Top Ten Buildings at Risk funds to restore more of the Gala opaque below the springing of the 2010. Further information is in an Pool’s stained glass windows. chancel arch so that the altar could article reproduced in full from the not be seen behind the proposed Oldham Chronicle on page 2. The two cultures: Statuary and nave altar. It was agreed that the Machinery in the Victorian scheme was misguided and should Langworthy School (demolished Municipal museum. be discouraged and that the parish 2010) and Seedley School (awaiting By Robert Snape should be advised to commission demolition) Both rejected for listing Thursday 24 February 2011 a feasibility study before pursuing by English Heritage despite such its plans, as well as consulting an listing being requested by the City of The theme of Dr Snape’s talk was the architectural practice with more Salford. attitude towards fine and applied art experience of listed buildings. in the Victorian period and how this The Victorian Society is submitting expressed itself in the contents and Church of St Ignatius of Antioch, listing applications for Queen Street architecture of municipal museums. Ordsall (Unlisted, Alfred and Varna Street, both Manchester The poor design of industrial goods Darbyshire, 1903). The Society Board Schools following the had been recognised in the 1830s was contacted by a representative non-listing of the earliest surviving and led to the growing importance of of the group campaigning to save example, Nelson Street which is applied art in an attempt to increase this redundant church - which currently awaiting demolition. economic competitiveness. The was featured in the Top Ten list Great Exhibition included industrial of endangered buildings for 2009 Ancoats Hospital & Dispensary, objects such as locomotives as well - to say that the condition of the owned by Urban Splash, faces an as fine art. The Museums Act of 1845 fabric had deteriorated markedly, uncertain future after £1 Million grant and Libraries Act of 1850 gave local damp being a particularly serious withdrawal following NWRDA’s authorities the discretion to create problem, and the developer who abolition. The same reason may also collections, and thus led to debates was planning to convert it into flats affect the future of Jactin House, about the purpose and appropriate appeared to have lost interest in Ancoats although that has already contents of museums, in particular the scheme. The altar painting and been repaired and re-roofed. the distinction between fine art and mosaics in the sanctuary were applied art. The two cultures were giving cause for concern and the The roof-less Upper Brook Street expressed in a number of ways, for 11 instance: high culture versus practical The Architecture of Sir Ernest A more modest example was The knowledge and commercial design; George by Hilary Grainger Knoll near Burton-on-Trent built for and literary intellectuals versus Wednesday 23 March 2011 the Johnnie Walker whisky family. humanists and scientists. Ruskin This lecture began on a hilarious made a further distinction between note, Dr Grainger reading a letter Some images of George’s sketches industrial art, of which he approved, from the then owner of Eynsham done on trips to the near continent and machine art, of which he did not. Hall, Witney, Oxfordshire (who were shown (he built two churches in happened to be the Lord Lieutenant Switzerland) and many perspectives While most museums didn’t have of the county) regretting his parent’s of proposed schemes. He was an industrial collections, and some felt decision to demolish their Georgian accomplished artist, an exhibition there should be separate museums house and replace it with ‘this fellow water colourist and eventually for fine art and applied art, many George erecting a soul-less barracks, became a Royal Academician. combined the two. Dr Snape’s three beastly cold and entirely without case studies showed how the charm or character’. In a further letter George’s London practice lasted for competing ideas were expressed in the complainant described the 40 years, initially partnered with T. the museums. architect as a ‘disastrous old Vaughan and then more significantly nincompoop’. Dr Grainger’s thesis with Harold Peto and later Alfred B. Birmingham, with its industrial base, was essentially to beg to differ! Yates. His office was known as the reflected the interests of local ‘Eton of Architects’, his pupils and manufacturers by including examples Sir Ernest George, architect and of glass and metalwork. Blackburn’s artist, was highly thought of in his curator was also keen to establish a time. He was president of RIBA from museum relevant to the industrial 1908 to 1910. He is now mainly character of the area, but requests known for the houses he designed for donations of industrial art got little for numerous illustrious and wealthy response. In 1874 the museum clients. Some of these were town moved to purpose-built premises in a houses in parts of London’s west end building that included fine art (Turner but mostly they were country houses and Reynolds) and industrial in various Queen Anne and artefacts such as steam gauges. The Tudorbethan styles, many reviving friezes, by GW Seale showed the medieval great hall as a central agriculture, industry and commerce, feature. One such house was as well as the usual references to Batsford in Gloucestershire built for literature and art, to reflect the history Lord Redesdale, grandfather of the of Blackburn. However by 1887 there famous Mitford sisters, another Ground floor plan, 37 Harrington was little industrial art despite the house at Rousden in Devon for Gardens, 1881-2 (English Herit- intent shown in the murals. Henry Peek, the biscuit manufacturer. age/Survey of London).

A very different approach was taken in Preston. After Harris left £100,000 for a museum, Alderman James Hibbert, also the architect, had a clear vision that a municipal art museum should be a bulwark against materialism. He felt that the inhabitants of Preston were ‘absolute barbarians’ who would be improved by the elevating influence of art. The museum was built on Greek principles in both content and design, and intended to dominate the town. Unlike at Blackburn, there were no references to industry in the murals and inscriptions. Curiously, reproduc- tions of classical art were preferred to original works. Dr Snape’s well-illustrated talk gave an interesting insight into the origins of municipal museums.

David French March 2011 35-37 Harrington Gardens, Kensington, 1881-2 RA perspective drawing by George. 12 assistants totalled around 80 and included Herbert Baker, Guy Dawber and Edwin Lutyens. In addition to SAVING A CENTURY successful careers, all three further followed his example by becoming A photographic exhibition celebrating the work of the Knights of the Realm. There can be little doubt that if the audience had Victorian Society been asked to guess who the 6 – 27 July architect of several of George’s THE DOME, DEVONSHIRE ROAD, BUXTON SK17 6RY domestic designs, many of us would have said Lutyens. This exhibition of photos from around the country shows examples of the best Victorian and Edwardian buildings and structures that the Society has The partnership with Harold Peto in campaigned to save, and some that have been lost. particular was noted for respecting vernacular building traditions and It demonstrates the Society’s success in changing public attitudes towards employing local builders and the architecture of the nineteenth century, and its continued relevance craftsmen to design fittings and for the twenty¬first century. furniture for some of their buildings. This practice, to some extent, The Victorian Society is the national charity campaigning for the anticipated the conventions of the Victorian and Edwardian historic environment. Arts and Crafts movement. Tel. 020 8994 1019 or go to In the later part of his life, in a final www.victoriansociety.org.uk flourish of eclecticism, George designed London’s new Southwark Bridge and also Golders Green Crematorium – the latter in Dr Grainger’s words ‘creating a new landscape of mourning for the then relatively new alternative to burial’.

David Astbury March 2011

The Work of a Victorian Society Trustee Unlike the defined responsibilities of other executive trustees of the Society, such as the Treasurer (Andrew Coleman) and the Casework Trustee (Ken Moth), my role as Membership Trustee is more flexible. The Society’s membership has remained steady at around 3300 for The exhibition is supported by many years and it was decided at the Listed Property Services, Shaws Terracotta, J & J W Longbottom Ltd first Trustee meeting that I attended in 2008 that rather than setting a major recruitment drive I would find ways of raising the Victorian Society’s profile. first exhibited at RIBA in London and property in North Wales, and Leeds I was able to tour it around England City Museum. I have been surprised The opportunity arose to celebrate and Wales. by how successful and popular it has fifty years of campaigning activity. been. I chose to target those places The golden anniversary exhibition, It has been surprisingly straight- where the Victorian Society doesn’t Saving a Century, curated by leading forward to find suitable libraries have a regional group. Mark Watson architectural historian, Gavin Stamp, through local authority websites, and and I transport the panels to these illustrates some of the Victorian sending them an email, accompanied venues, and it usually takes two to Society’s most remarkable by a brief background to the three hours to set up the exhibition. campaigns, among them the battles exhibition, and photographs of civic It is rewarding seeing so many for St Pancras, Liverpool’s Albert openings. I have also had positive people from venues across the Dock, the Foreign Office and the responses from other types of venue, country stop and study the exhibition much-regretted . It was including Erddig, a National Trust in depth, and take a copy of the 13 catalogue. There are also and be prepared for the weather. photographs of buildings lost or London Road Police & Fire saved in North Wales and the North station – Watch this space: Chris Hammond is a vice-chair of the West of England. Those I have NBC and was formerly case-worker spoken to invariably mention local It is now ten years since Clare for the West Yorkshire Group. He Victorian buildings that have been Hartwell, in her revision of recently retired from the Institute for lost or altered. The visitor book Pevsner’s Architectural Guide to Materials Research, University of comments attest to the pleasure that Manchester, described this building Leeds where he taught microscopy the exhibition has brought them. as shamefully neglected and dirty. and crystallography. For the last twenty five years the In 2011 it will be on display this building has been owned by Meet at Bradford Interchange Station summer at two venues accessible to Britannia Hotels and in April a at 10.45 am for 11 am start members of the Society in the public enquiry commenced into North-West. One is the famous Manchester City Council’s desire Cost: £15 including afternoon tea and Devonshire Dome in Buxton during to acquire the building with a donations but excluding lunch and the Buxton Festival, from 6 – 27 July, Compulsory Purchase Order. The transport to and from Bradford. We including the Dome Fair on the last building’s present owners were recommend taking the train from weekend. It is open every day without granted planning permission last Manchester Victoria Station. charge. It is also on show at year for a scheme to convert the Radnorshire Museum, Llandrindod building into a hotel (with the Booking form on page 17 Wells in Powys, from 4 – 31 August, approval of Manchester’s Historic covering the town’s Victorian Festival Buildings and Conservation Panel ) from 20 August. The museum is open but no work had taken place before SATURDAY 16 JULY 2011 from Tuesday to Saturday and there the end of 2010. An Excursion to Prestwich and is a small charge. This public enquiry is not a planning Kersal led by Ian Pringle, Mark enquiry, it is purely a legal tussle Watson, Anthea and Neil Darlington In my role as Trustee I have visited between Britannia Hotels and the all seven regional groups of the City Council as to whether the After the popularity of the visit to Victorian Society and prepared a Compulsory Purchase Order can Weaste Cemetery this tour examines report for the Trustees to explain the be enacted. However, the the extensive Victorian monuments different ways each group works. As proceedings have been adjourned and graveyards at St Mary’s Church a result of this report their represent- until the last week of May so, given (quite hilly), Prestwich (Grade I) atives meet the Chairman, Director that the Inspector will almost and St Paul’s, Kersal Moor in which and Casework Trustee of the national certainly reserve judgement in the are interred many Manchester Victorian Society, which has case, the outcome will not be luminaries. At St Paul’s we will take improved communication and known for some time. afternoon tea prior to a diversion to understanding. St Margaret, Heaton Park (Travis and Mangnall, 1851) where we will I attend and contribute to the Manchester group - 2011 see Simpson of Kendal woodwork bi-monthly meetings of the Trustees Forthcoming Events and carving believed to be the best in London, after which I circulate a example of Simpson’s ecclesiastical note of the meeting to the regional SATURDAY 4 JUNE 2011 work. We will return to St Mary’s chairs. We have documents to read where we will complete the visit before the meetings, in particular on An Excursion - Across the Pennines with a tour with Ian Pringle who has the Society’s finances, and currently to the Wool Metropolis: Victorian extensively researched the history on Colin Cunningham’s work on Bradford with Christopher Hammond of the churchyard. No doubt we may preparing a scheme of Victorian and Mark Watson. finish the afternoon in the Church Society Awards to recognise positive Inn. conservation of Victorian and An architectural tour of Bradford City Edwardian buildings. Centre and Little Germany. To include buildings and demolition sites St Paul’s Church, Kersal Moor, Recently I prepared the appeal for from early Victorian to late 20th Salford (Grade II) was consecrated in volunteers to assist the work of the century. We will start the visit at 1852. It was designed by Andrew Society, which came on a yellow Bradford Interchange Railway Station Trimen in the decorated Gothic style sheet with the Society’s magazine, at 11 am. There will be a break at of 4 bays to the nave with side aisles The Victorian. I have received no lunchtime after which the tour will and transepts with a small chancel. responses! If any members would resume. You may wish to bring a Its tower and spire are based on like to volunteer, then please contact packed lunch. The visit will finish at Magdalen College, Oxford, and me. approximately 3.15 pm when we will Carisbrooke parish church, Isle of take afternoon tea at the Great Wight. It is a large building originally Steve Roman April 2011 Victoria Hotel in the city centre. seating 1100 people and was Please wear suitable walking shoes attended by many well-known 14 After the event some of us will take Mancunians and Salfordians in its Thursday 27 October 2011 heyday. It has a large churchyard tea at the Art Deco Midland Hotel and with over 8,500 burials including we hope you will join us. An illustrated talk many notable Mancunians, eg. Sir There are trains to Manchester at William Fairbairn (1789 - 1874) Edward Holt the brewer and Lord 3.44 pm and 5.30 pm. Journeyman Millwright to World Mayor of Manchester, Edwin Waugh, Famous Engineer the dialect poet known as ‘the Meet at Morecambe Rail Station at by Richard Byrom, retired architect Lancashire Burns’ and Robert Neill, 11.45 am for 12 midday - contractor for Manchester Town Hall William Fairbairn (1789-1874) was and the Assize Court. There are 163 Cost: £15 per person. - including a largely self-educated Scot from a war burials and memorials, including donations and excluding travel cost humble background, who served an 31 official war graves. It has Please note afternoon tea is not apprenticeship as a millwright at a associations with the Byrom and included in the price. Newcastle coal-mine. With fellow- Clowes families and is the parish Scot, James Lillie (1786-1862), he church of the Bishops of Manchester. Booking form on page 17 started a millwrighting business in Manchester in 1817. The partner- Meet outside the Church Inn, Church ship was successful, but the differing Lane, Prestwich at 1 pm for 1.15 pm WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2011 temperaments of the partners led start - to its dissolution in 1832. Thereafter An Illustrated talk in memory of Cost - including donations and after- Fairbairn expanded and diversified, Edward Livesey (1938 - 2009) noon tea - £10 per person. building turn-key textile and corn Rodmarton Manor: the story of an mills, steam engines, iron steam- Arts and Crafts house. Booking form on page 18 ships, railway engines, wrought iron by Mary Greensted, Curator & Writer railway bridges, dockside ‘Fairbairn’ cranes, and iron framed buildings SATURDAY 6 AUGUST 2011 Rodmarton Manor, near Cirencester is the most complete Arts and Crafts and roofs. The common factors link- An excursion to the Seaside Movement house open to the public. ing his many areas of work were (1) iron, and (2) innovation. At its height Gothic and Exotic: Victorian and It was designed by Ernest Barnsley the business employed over 2,000 Edwardian Morecambe for Claud and Margaret Biddulph to with Mark Watson and Peter Wade provide them with a home on their people. Its products were exported Cotswold estate but it was much to every continent. Fairbairn himself Morecambe, like many seaside more than that. For both architect moved into high social circles and resorts, owes its existence to the and clients it was an Arts and Crafts became a baronet - but always lived arrival of the railways which brought experiment. This talk will look at within walking distance of his Man- visitors, income and investment. The the background to the building, its chester works.” 1890s in particular were a boom time furnishing, the layout of the garden for Morecambe and the surviving and its subsequent history. 7 pm for 7.15 pm buildings from that time have become YHA Potato Wharf, off Liverpool memorials to a lost era. Areas of The speaker Mary Greensted is a Road, Castlefield Manchester M3 regimented terraces (the private freelance curator, lecturer and writer. 4NB houses and boarding houses of She worked at Cheltenham Art the day) and villas are dotted with Gallery & Museum for many Cost: £5.00 per person. music halls, churches (several by the years and built up its nationally No need to book in advance Lancaster architects Austin & Paley), important Arts and Crafts Movement schools and larger hotels. Presiding collections. She has written widely Wednesday 23 November 2011 over these is the Grade II* listed including most recently The Arts and Winter Gardens or Victoria Pavillion Crafts Movement in Britain published An illustrated talk (complete with quirky mis-spelling), by Shire in 2010 A Co-operative Christmas Carol a variety theatre by Mangnall & by Gillian Lonergan, Head of Littlewood, and the largest and last of She is a trustee of the Court Barn Heritage Resources, Co-operative the pleasure palaces. Museum, Chipping Campden and College chairman of the Gloucestershire Out itinerary may include Promenade Guild of Craftsmen. Co-operators have always worked Station (1907), Trinity Methodist hard and during the the Church (1897), Devonshire Hall 7 pm for 7.15 pm Christmas period was no exception. (1897), St Barnabas’ Church YHA Potato Wharf, off Liverpool (1898-1910), Alhambra (1901), Road, Castlefield Meetings to discuss co-operative Victoria Pavillion (1897), St Manchester M3 4NB business, to establish new Lawrence’s Church (1878), Art & organisations , as in the case of the Technical School (1912) and the Cost: £5.00 per person. Co operative Wholesale Society, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, (1876). No need to book in advance or to celebrate the opening of the 15 Manchester Ship Canal might POTATO WHARF YHA PUBLICATION DATES: well be followed by concerts in MANCHESTER GROUP the Co-operative hall and eating Our venue for talks in 2010-2011 will Christmas fare bought in the be the YHA, Potato Wharf, Castle- The next Manchester Group Co operative stores. field, Manchester M3 4NB (tel: 0161 Newsletter and Programme of Events 839 9960) will be published in October 2011. Using materials from the National Co-operative Archive in Manchester Directions to the YHA by public transport From Deansgate or G-Mex Disclaimer: You participate in Victorian this illustrated talk will examine the Society events at your own risk and two central aspects of a Co-operative (Metrolink) stations: turn right along Deansgate, then left along Liverpool neither the Society nor its officers or Christmas: celebration and business, servants accept any liability of any kind an interesting comparison with today. Road as far as Castlefield Hotel (also known as the Y club – note this is whatsoever, howsoever arising. The ­Victorian ­Society reserves the right to 7 pm for 7.15 pm not our venue). There, turn left along Potato Wharf. The youth hostel is on cancel, alter or postpone events if YHA Potato Wharf, off Liverpool necessary. Road, Castlefield Manchester M3 the left after you go under the railway 4NB bridge. This is approximately a 700 yard walk. Please note that buildings we visit may present a variety of hazards including Cost: £5.00 per person. uneven surfaces, stairs, low head No need to book in advance From Piccadilly station: take a train to Deansgate or a tram to G-Mex heights, low lighting, building and then follow the above directions. demolition works. Saturday 10 December 2011 Alternatively, catch the number 3 free bus which runs every 10 minutes and We would like all our events to be Christmas Lunch & Excursion to the last bus is 19.00 from the fore- accessible to everyone, but there may be Halifax court - get off at the second stop on stairs or uneven surfaces which cannot full details and booking forms in the Quay Street (after the Opera House). be avoided, and long periods of walking Autumn 2011 newsletter From there go back along Quay or standing. Should you have any Street and right along Lower questions about your ability to participate SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012 in an event, please contact us. Some of Byrom Street to Liverpool Road. Turn our events are unsuitable for children. If Annual General Meeting and talk right and proceed as above. This is you have any special needs or ideas An Uphill Struggle: the Fight for approximately a 600 yard walk. about how we can improve our events, Historic Moscow, please let us know. by Edmund Harris, Churches From Piccadilly Gardens: catch the Conservation Advisor, Victorian number 33 bus which runs every 20 Participants are reminded that the Society. minutes, (currently at 18.28, 18.48, Victorian Society does not accept any 1.45 pm - 4.30 pm 19.08) to the second stop on liability of any kind whatsoever YHA Potato Wharf, off Liverpool Liverpool Road (opposite the Science howsoever arising. The Victorian Society Road, Castlefield Manchester M3 Museum). Then go back to the reserves the right to cancel, alter or 4NB Castlefield Hotel and follow the postpone events if necessary. above directions. This is Free of charge - no need to book in approximately a 200 yard walk. The Victorian Society is a Registered advance. Further details in the From Oxford Road station: catch Charity No 1081435 and a Company Autumn 2011 Newsletter. the number 2 free bus (times as for Limited by Guarantee Registered in the number 3 above) from the England No 3940996 NEWSLETTERS BY EMAIL forecourt to Liverpool Road (first stop only). From there follow the ­directions Thank you to those members who above. This is approximately a 400 have agreed to receive the yard walk. Manchester Newsletter by email. This has allowed us to reduce postage From Victoria station: catch the and copying costs. If you lose your number 2 bus outside and get off at email copy or it disappears from your the second stop outside the Great computer a pdf of the Newsletter can Northern complex; continue down now be found on the Manchester Deansgate, turn right along ­Liverpool page of Victorian Society’s main site Road and follow the directions as as can the current talks and visits. above. Address of the YHA: ­Potato If you would like to receive an email Wharf, Off Liverpool Road, version of the Newsletter please ­Manchester M3 4NB. email [email protected].

16 Booking form : Manchester Victorian Society - Morecambe Visit

SATURDAY 6 August 2011 Gothic and Exotic: an Excursion to Victorian and Edwardian Morecambe led by Peter Wade and organised by Mark Watson. Meet at Morecambe Rail Station at 11.45 am for 12 midday - Cost - including donations and excluding refreshments and travel costs - £15 per person. CLOSING DATE FOR BOOKINGS: 31 July 2011 First name...... Surname...... Address...... Postcode...... telephone numbers*...... *mobile number preferable - please switch on your mobile and bring with you to the event

Names of others attending

First name...... Surname......

First name...... Surname......

First name...... Surname...... I enclose an S.A.E. (confirmation and train timetables to/from Piccadilly will be sent by 3August 2011). Enclose your completed form, a stamped self-addressed envelope and a cheque for £15.00 per person made payable to: The Victorian Society to: Mark Watson, 18 Thomas Telford Basin, Manchester M1 2NH. Tel 07831 267642

I/we are coming by car (there are several car parks near to the station)...... ( ) I/we are coming by train...... ( ) Disclaimer: You participate in Victorian Society events at your own risk and neither the Society nor its officers or servants accept any liability of any kind whatsoever, howsoever arising. The Victorian Society reserves the right to cancel, alter or postpone events if necessary. Victorian Society Manchester Group Committee Secretary email:[email protected]

Booking form : Manchester Victorian Society - Bradford Visit

SATURDAY 4 JUNE 2011 An Excursion - Across the Pennines to the Wool Metropolis: Victorian Bradford with Christopher Hammond and Mark Watson. Meet at Bradford Interchange Station at 10.45am for 11am start - cost - including donations and afternoon tea, excluding travel to and from Bradford - £15 per person. CLOSING DATE FOR BOOKINGS: 28 May 2011 First name...... Surname...... Address...... Postcode...... telephone numbers*...... *mobile number preferable - please switch on your mobile and bring with you to the event Names of others attending

First name...... Surname......

First name...... Surname......

First name...... Surname...... I enclose an S.A.E. (confirmation and train times from Victoria will be sent by 1 June 2011). Enclose your completed form, a stamped self-addressed envelope and a cheque for £15.00 per person made payable to: The Victorian Society to: Mark Watson, 18 Thomas Telford Basin, Manchester M1 2NH. Tel 07831 267642 Please wear suitable walking shoes and be prepared for the weather. Disclaimer: You participate in Victorian Society events at your own risk and neither the Society nor its officers or servants accept any liability of any kind whatsoever, howsoever arising. The Victorian Society reserves the right to cancel, alter or postpone events if necessary. Victorian Society Manchester Group Committee Secretary email:[email protected] 17 Booking form : Manchester Victorian Society - Prestwich Visit

SATURDAY 16 July 2011 An Excursion to Prestwich and Kersal led by Ian Pringle, Mark Watson, Anthea and Neil Darlington. Meet outside the Church Inn, Church Lane, Prestwich at 1 pm for 1.15 pm start - Cost - including donations and after- noon tea - £10 per person. CLOSING DATE FOR BOOKINGS: 9 July 2011 First name...... Surname...... Address...... Postcode...... telephone numbers*...... *mobile number preferable - please switch on your mobile and bring with you to the event

Names of others attending First name...... Surname...... First name...... Surname...... First name...... Surname...... I enclose an S.A.E. (confirmation and map will be sent by 13 June 2011). Enclose your completed form, a stamped self-ad- dressed envelope and a cheque for £10.00 per person made payable to: The Victorian Society to: Mark Watson, 18 Thomas Telford Basin, Manchester M1 2NH. Tel 07831 2676

You may travel to Prestwich on the Bury tram from Manchester, alight at Prestwich - allow 10 minutes to walk (see map) to the Church Inn. However, as we will be travelling to the three churches by shared car transport we need enough cars to do this. So please indicate if you are coming by car or could bring your car below.

I/we are coming by car and can offer lifts. How many spare places?...... ( )

I/we are coming by public transport and require a lift. How many places ...... ( )

I/we are coming by public transport but could bring a car if required. Please tick...... ( ) Please wear suitable walking shoes and be prepared for the weather.

Disclaimer: You participate in Victorian Society events at your own risk and neither the Society nor its officers or servants accept any liability of any kind whatsoever, howsoever arising. The Victorian Society reserves the right to cancel, alter or postpone events if necessary. Victorian Society Manchester Group Committee Secretary email: [email protected]

18