The Acorns, Fallowfield, Manchester

This house has been largely remodelled in the interior. The alcove to the long gallery is an addition, and various internal walls were taken down, the hall being considerably enlarged this way. The staircase was entirely rebuilt, the main feature being a broad arch with modelled plasterwork leading from the hall, and "dog-gates" with figures of "Night" and "Morning." The stairs to the landing, the top-lighted anteroom, and the hall, are panelled in oak throughout. The long gallery, the main feature of the interior, was designed to receive a collection of Japanese curios and works of art, the museum beyond being for the same purpose. It is mainly lit by top light, and is surrounded by fine old oak panelling richly carved, behind which air-tight bronze cases are arranged for the display of curios. This panelling had to be considerably extended to fill the room, and niches were designed for the angles. A large old fireplace 13 feet long with elaborate figure sculpture was erected at the end of the room, the grate and dogs being old Florentine work. The alcove was designed as a separate study-room surrounded by bookcases and divided from the long gallery by sliding doors which work behind the cases. The fireplace is in oak, with slabs of Mexican onyx round the grate.

The general contractors for structural alterations and additions were J. H. Billings and Company Manchester, and joiner's work was executed by George Dobson. The following are some of the sub-contractors: Chimneypieces, Earp, Hobbs & Miller, Manchester; casements and casement fittings, George Wragge Limited; plumbing and sanitary work, William Bailey and Company., Manchester; sanitary ware and fittings, Doulton and Company Limited; parquet flooring, Goodalls, Manchester; electric wiring, G. M. Steinthal; plasterwork (fibrous or modelled), Earp, Hobbs & Miller, from architect's designs; special woodwork, George Dobson; (joinery), Earp, Hobbs & Miller (carving); art metal-work (special designs) and electric light fixtures. Artificers' Guild, London; gates, Earp, Hobbs & Miller; marble work, J and H Patterson, Manchester; wall papers and wall hangings, Thomas Ledward, Manchester; heating and ventilating, C. N. Haden & Son, Manchester; bronze show-cases in long gallery, George Wragge, imited ; show-cases in museum, Sage and Company, Manchester. [Recent English Domestic Architecture. 1909 page 196]

Walter Lionel Behrens of 16 Oxford Street and the Acorns Fallowfield Manchester died 15rh Feburary 1913 at the Acorns...

Reference           Architectural Review special issue: Recent English Domestic Architecture 1909. Mervyn E Macartney Editor. Page 196-200 with plan and illustrations