Bury Secondary School Competition

• Entries               141 designs submitted
• Assessor            J W Simpson, vice president RIBA
• 1st premium      J. Theo Halliday, Stockport

 BURY’S SECONDARY SCHOOL: STOCKPORT ARCHITECT APPOINTED. The Bury Education Committee had before them last night the report of the assessor, Mr John W Simpson, vice president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, on the competitive designs fir the new municipal secondary school. Mr Simpson examined 141 designs and awarded premiums to the following: 1 Mr J Theo Halliday, Stockport; 2 Messrs Castle and Warren, London; and 3 Messrs Appleyard and Quiggin, Liverpool. In commenting on the competition Mr Simpson wrote: “It is to be regretted that many competitors have not given sufficient attention to the very clear conditions and instructions  furnished and to the regulations of the Board of Education, which were also furnished. The somewhat peculiar nature of the site, the difficulties in obtaining fall for the drainage system, and the important questions of aspect and cost have compelled me in several cases to set aside designs which are in many respects meritorious.” The committee awarded the premiums as recommended and decided to adopt Mr Halliday’s plans and designs. [Manchester Guardian 5 January 1909 page 4]

BURY SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPETITION - The assessor in this competition, Mr. J. W. Simpson, vice-president and fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, has completed his assessment, and the whole of the plans submitted, both premiated and unpremiated, were exhibited at the Technical School, Broad Street, Bury, on Saturday, January 2nd, from 2 to 8 p.m.; and from Io a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, January 4th and 5th, 1909. The premiated designs are as follows: First, Mr. T. Thomas Halliday, A.R.I.B.A. of Stockport; Second, Messrs. Castle and Warren of London; Third, Messrs. Appleyard and Quiggan, of Liverpool  There were 141 designs submitted. The premiated designs, with a criticism, will appear in our issue of next week [Builders Journal 6 January 1909 page 4]

Reference    Building News 8 January 1909 Page 64
Reference    Builder 16 January 1909 Page 65
Reference    British Architect 8 January 1909 Page 22
Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 January 1909 page 4
Reference    Builders Journal 6 January 1909 page 4