Annexe: The Botanical Gardens, Old Trafford

An annual flower show was held each Whitsuntide at the Botanical Gardens.-  The annexe, previously a tent erected for the week of the show has been superseded by a substantial structure of iron, very fairly comparable to the arched covering of a railway station. The site is precisely the same; the length is 324 feet; the width is 60 feet; the superficial area of the ground covered is thus as nearly as possible 2,200 square yards. The height of the sides and of the roof, which is curvilinear, considerably exceeds that of the tent, the longitudinal beam or “principal” being 40 feet from the ground. A wrought iron framing, so constructed as to harmonise with the general purpose of the building, gives support and proper curve to the canvas covering. The frame is supported in turn by fifty-five slim iron shafts, placed at intervals of about 12 feet, and these being ornamental in design, the effect is excellent. The strength of the whole, the rigidity of the entire fabric is secured by means of diagonal wrought-iron tie rods; so that while an immense improvement has been made upon the old tent, with its wooden stays, as regards appearance, nothing is wanting to give assurance that our future floral Alhambra will defy storm and tempest. The work has been done by Messrs E T Bellhouse and Company of the Eagle Foundry, under the direction of Messrs W and G Higginbottom, the well-known architects, of St James’s Square. The cost to the proprietors of the Gardens will be, we believe, not less than £1,000. [Manchester Guardian 5 June 1878 page 5]

FLORAL EXHIBITION BUILDING IN IRON, MANCHESTER BOTANICAL GARDENS. In a notice of the Whitsuntide Flower Show, the Manchester Courier' gives the following description of the new building just erected: — The tent,—for tent it may be called,—is supported on an iron framework, is 32-1 ft. in length by 60 ft. in breadth, and contains therefore an area of about 2,200 square yards. The space thus placed at the disposal of the committee is ample to receive all the plants sent to them for exhibition, and visitors, who most remember with pleasure the enchanting sight which has before been afforded them, when, standing on the mound of earth placed at one end of the building, they are face to face with the perfect blaze of colour that the assembled plants present to their view, may anticipate in the coming show a 6ner spectacle than any they have yet been called upon to admire. The interior of the pavilion has been laid out in promenades and terraces, so as to increase the effect when it is filled with plants. The designs from which it has been erected were prepared by Messrs. TV. & G. Higginbottom, architects, of St. James’s square. The ironwork has been carried out by Messrs. Edward T. Bellhouse and Company, engineers, and the covering of sail-cloth canvas supplied by Mr. Sullivan, tentmaker, Hulme. Along the sides, at the square end next the main road, leading to Stretford, and at the hexagonal end near the ornamental lake, fifty-five cast-iron columns, of special design, are ranged 12 ft. apart, connected at the top by scroll-work spandrels, and below by diagonal wrought-iron rods, covered at the intersections by cast-iron foliated shields. The curved roof principals are on the “bow-string” type, each of 60 ft. span, with oblique ties and light diagonal bracing. At the crown of the arch of the roof the ridge is raised in graceful curves, harmonising with the lines of principals, in such a way as to give the necessary support and inclination to the canvas, at a point where a quick passage of rainwater is essential in order to keep the inside dry and comfortable. It will be quite possible at any future time for the committee to glaze the roof. [Builder 15 June 1878 page 630]

Reference    Manchester Guardian, 5 June 1878 page 5
Reference    Builder 15 June 1878 page 630