The Pier Pavilion Rhyl North Wales.
An article and illustration of the proposed pavilion at the shore end of the pier at Rhyl appeared in the Manchester Weekly Times without naming the architects. However, Darbyshire and Smith are listed as architects to the company in the advertisement which appeared on page 1 of the same paper, this being an abridged prospectus for shares in the company Part of the proposal was to re-install the organ from the Manchester Jubilee Exhibition of 1887 in the building. Pier built 1867, Demolished 1973 (The microfilm in MCL is damaged in this section. However it would appear that the erection of the pavilion had already commenced and that the entire pier was to be fitted with safety lighting)
PROPOSED NEW PIER PAVILION AT RHYL - In our advertising columns will be found an advertisement for the Rhyl Pier and Pavilion Company Limited. The share capital is £25,000 in 5000 shares, namely 4670 shares of ,5 each and 330 founders' shares of £5 each. The company is formed with the purpose of purchasing the pier (800 yards in length) and landing stage together with the concert hall already erected on the pier, open air band stand etc at Rhyl, North Wales and for the erection of a large pavilion at the shore end of the pier. The existing property has been purchased for ,7,250 and 330 founders' shares in the new company. Rhyl is a popular watering place with, it is said, an increasing residential population. The town is accessible from all parts of England and Wales by fast train and is visited by thousands of persons during the season. There has been in the past, it is stated, an insufficient supply of entertainment and to remedy this deficiency the company will immediately erect a large pavilion at the shore end of the pier. The grand hall of this pavilion is designed to accommodate 3000 persons. The jubilee organ, erected at the Manchester Exhibition has been secured and will form a leading feature of ornament and utility. [Manchester Weekly News 8 May 1891 Page 4 with illustration of the pavilion]
OPENING OF A PAVILION, RHYL - On the 12th inst Lady Florentia Hughes opened a pavilion which has been erected at Rhyl, Flintshire. The pavilion, which takes the form of a Maltese Cross, is in the English Renaissance style, and consists of a large central hall in the ground floor and one circular gallery or tier. The central hall is 50 feet square, with three transepts, each 50 feet by 20 feet. The platform is 50 feet by 20 feet with a large organ chamber, which will contain the grand Jubilee organ in use at the Manchester Exhibition. There are three entrances on the ground floor and four exits from the galleries, which are constructed on approved principles, every door in the place opening outwards. Ten cast iron columns, arranged in a semi-circle support the raftered roof, which is fitted with a lantern light in the centre. Artistes retiring rooms are arranged on each side of the orchestra, one for ladies and one for gentlemen, having separate entrances. The gas lighting arrangements have been carefully considered, and are so arranged that each part of the interior lighting can be turned off separately from the others. It is intended to have approaches from the many promenades, and a circular promenade will be made round the building. The building will ultimately be crowned with a dome. The total cost of the structure, exclusive of fixtures is £6000. The hall is ventilated by Tobin inlets and arrangements have been made for heating the building in winter. The contractors were Messrs Holme and Green, Liverpool, the architects being Messrs Darbyshire and Smith of Manchester [Builder 19 September 1891 page 230]
The Grand Pavilion on Rhyl pier was totally destroyed by fire early on Saturday morning (14 Sept?) 1901. The contents included the organ made for the Manchester Exhibition of 1887 [Manchester Guardian Monday 16 September 1901]
Reference Manchester Weekly Times 8 May 1891
Reference Manchester Weekly News 8 May 1891 Page 4 with illustration of the pavilion
Reference Builder 19 September 1891 page 230
Reference Manchester Guardian Monday 16 September 1901
Reference Building News 20 September 1901 Page 383