Manchester Jubilee Exhibition Buildings Old Trafford (Architectural Competition)

For the purposes of obtaining a design for the proposed Jubilee Exhibition to be held in Manchester in 1887, four firms of local architects were invited to compete, viz: Messrs Pennington and Bridgen, Messrs Salomons and Ely, Messrs Darbyshire and Smith, Messrs Maxwell and Tuke. After due consideration the committee charged with the business of selection adopted the design sent in by Messrs Maxwell and Tuke, which is estimated to cost £32,653. This is exclusive of an intended reproduction of "Old Manchester and Old Salford." The other sections of the exhibition will include fine arts, machinery in motion, and a music room. The site selected is between Talbot-road and Chester-road, Old Trafford, and is in connection with the Botanic Gardens. A guarantee fund of £100,000 has already been subscribed and it is proposed to extend this amount to £200,000.[British Architect 20 August 1886 Page 176]

It was unanimously resolved to recommend to the guarantors’ council that the design sent in under the motto “Small Cost, Large Re-sale” be the one adopted and that the remaining designs be awarded the three premiums as follows:

£50    “Expectations”    Salomons and Ely. King Street Manchester
£30    “Vivat Regina”    Darbyshire and Smith. Brazennose Street, Manchester.
£20    “Specs”             Pennington and Bridgen. Queen’s Chambers, John Dalton Street, Manchester.