Schools for 300 resident children: Oldham

In 1883 Thomas Mitchell won in competition the commission for workhouse schools, Oldham Gardens. Acting under instructions he prepared plans, but the election took place and a cry for economy and reform arose. The first thing that the Guardians did was to repudiate his plans because they were not under contract. The amount of his fee would have been £1,080.  Mitchell later estimated that he lost that, and he also lost £250 which he had spent on preparations.

OLDHAM UNION—The Guardians invite TENDERS for the ERECTION of NEW SCHOOLS, to accommodate 300 resident children.—Particulars may obtained upon application the Architect THOMAS MITCHELL. FRIBA, Priory Chambers, Oldham. [Manchester Courier 14 February 1883 page 1]

Reference    Manchester Guardian, 9 February 1883 page 1
Reference    Manchester Guardian, 10 February 1883 page 4
Reference    Manchester Guardian, 12 February 1883 page 1
Reference    Manchester Guardian, 13 February 1883 page 1
Reference    Manchester Guardian, 16 February 1883 page 1
Reference    Manchester Guardian, 17 February 1883 page 1
Reference    Manchester Guardian 24 February 1883 page 10 – contracts