Blackpool Deco
The Tower
I used to live in Blackpool.
I never appreciated, when I lived there, just how many amazing buildings there are.
What I wanted to do with this set of photographs is show that Blackpool is not just Kiss Me Quick hats, fish and chips, vomit, and falling in the sea near North Pier. Moreover, I wanted to highlight the state of many of these architecturally significant buildings and, hopefully, shame Blackpool Council into allocating some to money on restoring and maintaining these buildings, rather than on some of the ugly, useless, garbage they are wasting it on.
I never appreciated, when I lived there, just how many amazing buildings there are.
What I wanted to do with this set of photographs is show that Blackpool is not just Kiss Me Quick hats, fish and chips, vomit, and falling in the sea near North Pier. Moreover, I wanted to highlight the state of many of these architecturally significant buildings and, hopefully, shame Blackpool Council into allocating some to money on restoring and maintaining these buildings, rather than on some of the ugly, useless, garbage they are wasting it on.
Back in the day...
Back in the day...
This is a purely personal photo but, it seemed like a good place to start. It's long gone now but there used to be a shop on this block called Filmore, selling secondhand records and books. I first went in there back in 1982, about a week or two after it had opened. Mike and Beryl Schofield who owned the shop became close, personal friends. Mike used to promote Blues gigs at the Kite Club (various locations) around Blackpool and was one of the first people in the UK to recognise the talent of Walter Trout. I am proud that, on my lounge wall hangs Mike's signed photo of himself with Walter and the band from their first Blackpool gig. I treasure the times I spent in that shop. Good times.
The Blue Room
If you are from Blackpool, you know.
Easy as A B C
Ugh!
What on Earth happened to the ABC Cinema? I guess someone asked a similar question the year I was born. Only, on that occasion, it would have been: What on Earth happened to The Hippodrome?
In 1895, on the corner of Church St and King St, The Empire opened its doors for the first time. By 1900, with the rising popularity of circuses, it became The Hippodrome and remained so for over 60 years.
In 1963, following extensive remodelling it was transformed into the ABC Theatre and, in 2002, the, er, striking Syndicate discotheque (for young people).
In 1895, on the corner of Church St and King St, The Empire opened its doors for the first time. By 1900, with the rising popularity of circuses, it became The Hippodrome and remained so for over 60 years.
In 1963, following extensive remodelling it was transformed into the ABC Theatre and, in 2002, the, er, striking Syndicate discotheque (for young people).
St John's School
OMG! St John's School...
What were they thinking? It may be an interesting design, with a rooftop playground, but it is a bit ugly, wouldn't you agree?
Did they forget to take it out of the box it was delivered in?
What were they thinking? It may be an interesting design, with a rooftop playground, but it is a bit ugly, wouldn't you agree?
Did they forget to take it out of the box it was delivered in?
The Stanley Building
In 1934, Stanley Terrace was demolished so that Church St could be widened. The Art Deco goodness that is known as The Stanley Building, anywhere else in the world, would be held up as a prime example of this style.
It must have been stunning when it was new.
At some point, Blackpool Council granted the shop-owners permission to deface this building. See, it isn't on the prom, so Blackpool Council couldn't give a crap about the state of the town - it's all for the tourists. Come on Blackpool Council make some of that money available so that these properties can be restored to their former glory. Stop spending money on speed bumps and buying stupid lights for Clifton St and spectacularly ugly Wedding Chapels on the promenade! Don't even get me started on those strange black things that wave about like demented, disembodied antennae.
It must have been stunning when it was new.
At some point, Blackpool Council granted the shop-owners permission to deface this building. See, it isn't on the prom, so Blackpool Council couldn't give a crap about the state of the town - it's all for the tourists. Come on Blackpool Council make some of that money available so that these properties can be restored to their former glory. Stop spending money on speed bumps and buying stupid lights for Clifton St and spectacularly ugly Wedding Chapels on the promenade! Don't even get me started on those strange black things that wave about like demented, disembodied antennae.
Regent Cinema
The state of the former Regent Cinema building is a crime! I realise that these buildings may well be privately owned, but still, has Blackpool Council no obligation to ensure that such exquisite examples of architecture are preserved for future generations? Have they learned nothing from the Talbot Road Car Park fiasco?
OK. The picture is of the misty green and blue building.
When I lived here, it was TH Bennett's Mercedes dealership. My dad tells me it used to be a cinema, back in the old days...
When I lived here, it was TH Bennett's Mercedes dealership. My dad tells me it used to be a cinema, back in the old days...
Raikes Road Technical School
From left to right...
The marvellous Salvation Army Citadel. Originally built between 1904 and 1905 as Raikes Road Technical School to a design by, believe it or not, Potts, Son and Hennings. It later became the Grammar School and has been [for as long as I can remember] the Salvation Army Citadel. It is constructed of red brick with grey terracotta dressings and quoins in the Baroque style. It has slate roofs, with copper domes. Its plan is 'U'-shaped, with receding wings.
The tower to the south-west is square with three storeys and has an octagonal lantern with a copper dome and finial. Apparently. Come on, that is pretty impressive.
Salvation Army Citadel in the distance, with The Stanley Building front right. I like the angles in this picture.
The marvellous Salvation Army Citadel. Originally built between 1904 and 1905 as Raikes Road Technical School to a design by, believe it or not, Potts, Son and Hennings. It later became the Grammar School and has been [for as long as I can remember] the Salvation Army Citadel. It is constructed of red brick with grey terracotta dressings and quoins in the Baroque style. It has slate roofs, with copper domes. Its plan is 'U'-shaped, with receding wings.
The tower to the south-west is square with three storeys and has an octagonal lantern with a copper dome and finial. Apparently. Come on, that is pretty impressive.
Salvation Army Citadel in the distance, with The Stanley Building front right. I like the angles in this picture.
Left:
I never noticed the Deco detail on this building before... And I have walked past here more times I can count.
Center:
Looking at this, would you expect a delightful example of Art Deco architecture?
Right:
I understand that, underneath all that 1960s vandalism, are some very tasty Art Deco friezes.
I never noticed the Deco detail on this building before... And I have walked past here more times I can count.
Center:
Looking at this, would you expect a delightful example of Art Deco architecture?
Right:
I understand that, underneath all that 1960s vandalism, are some very tasty Art Deco friezes.
ODEON
The former O.D.E.O.N. building.
So, whilst this stunning building no longer bears the legend Oscar Deutsch Entertains Our Nation above the entrance, it has been maintained quite well by the current owners and is still a going concern as a leading drag show. I am told that it is a very good show. The interior has been quite carefully restored in recent years.
This Odeon cinema was built between 1938 and 1939, to a design by Robert Bullivant from Harry Weedon's firm. Constructed of brick, with white, green and black faience, over a steel frame in the Art Deco style, it originally sat 1,800. In 1975, the auditorium was split into two smaller cinema screens, eventually closing for good in 1998. It is now occupied by Funny Girls burlesque cabaret show.
So, whilst this stunning building no longer bears the legend Oscar Deutsch Entertains Our Nation above the entrance, it has been maintained quite well by the current owners and is still a going concern as a leading drag show. I am told that it is a very good show. The interior has been quite carefully restored in recent years.
This Odeon cinema was built between 1938 and 1939, to a design by Robert Bullivant from Harry Weedon's firm. Constructed of brick, with white, green and black faience, over a steel frame in the Art Deco style, it originally sat 1,800. In 1975, the auditorium was split into two smaller cinema screens, eventually closing for good in 1998. It is now occupied by Funny Girls burlesque cabaret show.
Baptist Tabernacle
The Blackpool Baptist Tabernacle. A lovely building.
From what I have been able to dig up, the building of the Tabernacle is a bit of a story. Seemingly, in the latter half of the nineteenth century the Baptists had built a church and Sunday school in Abingdon Street.
In 1903, this site and buildings were purchased by the Post Office. The Baptists bought this new site, in Springfield Road, where they built a replacement church, which opened on the 1st of March 1906.
However, it was not until the following year that the former Baptist Tabernacle on Abingdon Street was demolished. Apparently, the Sunday school had been used as a temporary branch Post Office. The delay in demolition would suggest that as a part of the purchase agreement, the Post Office had agreed to build a new Baptist Tabernacle before the original church was closed.
From what I have been able to dig up, the building of the Tabernacle is a bit of a story. Seemingly, in the latter half of the nineteenth century the Baptists had built a church and Sunday school in Abingdon Street.
In 1903, this site and buildings were purchased by the Post Office. The Baptists bought this new site, in Springfield Road, where they built a replacement church, which opened on the 1st of March 1906.
However, it was not until the following year that the former Baptist Tabernacle on Abingdon Street was demolished. Apparently, the Sunday school had been used as a temporary branch Post Office. The delay in demolition would suggest that as a part of the purchase agreement, the Post Office had agreed to build a new Baptist Tabernacle before the original church was closed.
Central Library
The Central Library and Grundy Art Gallery were built between 1909 and 1910 in a grand Edwardian Baroque style.
Central Public Library main entrance, featuring leaded dome.
Central Public Library main entrance, featuring leaded dome.
To the right of the main Library entrance is the Grundy Art Gallery with its Ionic columns. In the background, the former ODEON building.
Abingdon St. Police Station
The magnificent main Post Office on Abingdon St, constructed out of Portland stone with a green slate roof, was completed in 1910. This imposing building was, originally, built as a police station.
Not only is the Post Office building listed, so are the eight K6 telephone kiosks which stand outside it.
The K6 telephone kiosk was designed in 1935 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of George V. They are constructed of cast iron and have domed roofs.
Not only is the Post Office building listed, so are the eight K6 telephone kiosks which stand outside it.
The K6 telephone kiosk was designed in 1935 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of George V. They are constructed of cast iron and have domed roofs.
Firstly, the impressive edifice you see in this picture is No. 22 Clifton St. Now a burlesque club, it was built to house the main branch of Martin's Bank, back in 1923.
http://www.martinsbank.co.uk/11-85-02%20Blackpool.htm
Now, of course, it features a carbuncle in front of it.
http://www.martinsbank.co.uk/11-85-02%20Blackpool.htm
Now, of course, it features a carbuncle in front of it.
What is wrong with this picture?
At this location, in 1868 stood the Talbot Assembly Rooms and Free Library. It also incorporated Blackpool's first substantial theatre, The Theatre Royal, which became the Tivoli Cinema in 1910.
When the building was purchased by two brothers from Oldham, Peter and Simon Yates, it became a landmark that stood until destroyed by fire in 2009.
Latest news states that a new development featuring a TGI Friday's and a restaurant called Cosmo are looking to open on this site.
At this location, in 1868 stood the Talbot Assembly Rooms and Free Library. It also incorporated Blackpool's first substantial theatre, The Theatre Royal, which became the Tivoli Cinema in 1910.
When the building was purchased by two brothers from Oldham, Peter and Simon Yates, it became a landmark that stood until destroyed by fire in 2009.
Latest news states that a new development featuring a TGI Friday's and a restaurant called Cosmo are looking to open on this site.
Council Offices
Located behind the Town Hall, just off Talbot Sq, the Council Offices face out onto Corporation St, West St, and Market St. How many people never look up above street level?
Each of the three sides of the building features a series of superb Art Deco friezes in the stonework.
The Corporation St aspect, features land-based transport and then, at the junction with West St... a satellite dish?
Each of the three sides of the building features a series of superb Art Deco friezes in the stonework.
The Corporation St aspect, features land-based transport and then, at the junction with West St... a satellite dish?
The West St aspect, features air-based transport and, at the junction with Market St, the Sun.
The Market St aspect, features sea-based transport and, not entirely sure. Possibly some sort of salty old sea dog's sat nav?
And then opposite the Council Offices, you have the most ridiculous site known to mankind.
Really, John Bickerstaffe must be pirouetting in his grave. He understood that underneath the form, there has to be substance. Blackpool Council, today, is all about surface and no depth.
A pox on you Councillors!
Really, John Bickerstaffe must be pirouetting in his grave. He understood that underneath the form, there has to be substance. Blackpool Council, today, is all about surface and no depth.
A pox on you Councillors!
Town Hall
Built in 1900, from a design by (no word of a lie) Potts, Son and Hennings, this remarkable building really does take one's breath away.
Because of all the building work currently going on in front of the Town Hall, in Talbot Sq, and the restricted access that goes with it, the only way to get this phallic photo was for me to lie down, on my back, in front of the entrance and shoot almost straight up. Given that I had nearly been run over numerous times, taking pictures of the friezes on Corporation St, West St and, Market St, I actually did expect the boys in blue to come and feel my collar. I mean, I was, technically speaking, illegally parked at the time of the incident. And, it wouldn't be the first time I'd been busted for taking pictures of public buildings.
Because of all the building work currently going on in front of the Town Hall, in Talbot Sq, and the restricted access that goes with it, the only way to get this phallic photo was for me to lie down, on my back, in front of the entrance and shoot almost straight up. Given that I had nearly been run over numerous times, taking pictures of the friezes on Corporation St, West St and, Market St, I actually did expect the boys in blue to come and feel my collar. I mean, I was, technically speaking, illegally parked at the time of the incident. And, it wouldn't be the first time I'd been busted for taking pictures of public buildings.
Talbot Sq.
I think this used to be the Badland Mink.
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This will always be The Clifton Hotel to me.
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If you don't know what this is, telling you will not help!
Tower Buildings
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The Woolworth Building
On the corner of Adelaide Place and Central Promenade, is the distinctive 1930s Art Deco edifice (complete with clock tower) created originally as a prestigious seafront store for Woolworth's. Behind, you can see the top of the Tower and, at the right front, you can see the dreadful '70s architecture of the Palatine Buildings, so-named because they occupy the site of the former Palatine Hotel.
When I took this, I was trying to avoid being run over... I cursed the sky rat that flew into the frame for the mangy cur that he is and damned him to the bowels of bloody hell! And then I looked again. Serendipitously, the shape of the relief on the building , below the clock tower, on either side of the top window, echoes the seagull beautifully.
Although this building is universally known as The Woolies Building, Woolworth's moved out many years ago, even before the organisation went 'phut'. Still, it is beautiful and has been quite well looked after by later owners.
How can you not be impressed?
When I took this, I was trying to avoid being run over... I cursed the sky rat that flew into the frame for the mangy cur that he is and damned him to the bowels of bloody hell! And then I looked again. Serendipitously, the shape of the relief on the building , below the clock tower, on either side of the top window, echoes the seagull beautifully.
Although this building is universally known as The Woolies Building, Woolworth's moved out many years ago, even before the organisation went 'phut'. Still, it is beautiful and has been quite well looked after by later owners.
How can you not be impressed?
The Edith Centre
Many thanks to Craig Fleming at The Blackpool Gazette for his assistance in solving the mystery around the name of this building. If you are interested in Blackpool history, check out his marvellous archive of videos at http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/thenandnow/
Anyway, I could find nothing on the interweb about why this building is called The Edith Centre. But, after a bit of digging, here goes... In 1937, Marks and Spencer was given permission to erect a four-storey building at the corner of Bank Hey St and Albert Road. The store opened on July 28th 1939, just months before the start of WWII. Almost immediately, the ground floor became an RAF clothing depot and the upper floors housed evacuees from the company's Baker St head office. In 1980, the store closed its doors for the last time, Marks and Spencer moving completely to the Church St location.
The company that purchased the property from M&S was founded by a lady named Edith and the building was named, in her honour.
Anyway, I could find nothing on the interweb about why this building is called The Edith Centre. But, after a bit of digging, here goes... In 1937, Marks and Spencer was given permission to erect a four-storey building at the corner of Bank Hey St and Albert Road. The store opened on July 28th 1939, just months before the start of WWII. Almost immediately, the ground floor became an RAF clothing depot and the upper floors housed evacuees from the company's Baker St head office. In 1980, the store closed its doors for the last time, Marks and Spencer moving completely to the Church St location.
The company that purchased the property from M&S was founded by a lady named Edith and the building was named, in her honour.
Yup, since 1982, proud purveyors of fast food to the masses.
I think I had my second-ever McD's here in the first week it opened (I know the first one I had was at Birmingham New St. station).
Here's the thing...
If I'd kept that burger, back in 1982, in the box and not eaten it, it would have still looked the same, today. I could have popped in a microwave, nuked it, and eaten it. I could have... I would be insane to actually do it!
I think I had my second-ever McD's here in the first week it opened (I know the first one I had was at Birmingham New St. station).
Here's the thing...
If I'd kept that burger, back in 1982, in the box and not eaten it, it would have still looked the same, today. I could have popped in a microwave, nuked it, and eaten it. I could have... I would be insane to actually do it!
Still searching for that illusive picture of Blackpool Tower. I do quite like this one though...
L-R is The Palatine Buildings, The Woolworth Building, The Tower and, The Edith Centre.
I think this shot sums up Blackpool quite well. It is a curious mixture of the grand and the nastily naff, old and new.
L-R is The Palatine Buildings, The Woolworth Building, The Tower and, The Edith Centre.
I think this shot sums up Blackpool quite well. It is a curious mixture of the grand and the nastily naff, old and new.
These things should be destroyed.
Blackpool is infested with these one-eyed bastards of hate and their cousins, the speed bumps. Don't get me started.
Blackpool is infested with these one-eyed bastards of hate and their cousins, the speed bumps. Don't get me started.
I have to say, I thought this place was empty. Really, I thought this was actually an abandoned building.
Apparently, not...
http://www.kingedwardapartments.com/index.html
Photoshop is a wonderful thing.
Apparently, not...
http://www.kingedwardapartments.com/index.html
Photoshop is a wonderful thing.
King Edward Cinema
The former King Edward Cinema dates back to 1913 and is built from Accrington brick with stone-coloured dressings. According to the listed building information, has a barrel-vaulted roof, its plan is rectangular and the façade is semi-circular. Above the ground floor, the symmetrical façade has a central pedimented gable between banded pilasters. Inside there is an auditorium with a balcony and a small foyer with decorated cornice.
I'm not sure when it ceased being a cinema but I remember it being a bingo hall and social club and, now, it would appear to be a pub. Just what Blackpool needs. Yeah, the former King Edward Cinema, now a pub. Next door is the King Edward VII pub. Licensing laws are a curious thing, aren't they?
I'm not sure when it ceased being a cinema but I remember it being a bingo hall and social club and, now, it would appear to be a pub. Just what Blackpool needs. Yeah, the former King Edward Cinema, now a pub. Next door is the King Edward VII pub. Licensing laws are a curious thing, aren't they?
Conclusion
I love Blackpool, and I hate Blackpool. It is what it is: a place of extremes.
Much of it, I have always avoided. Those parts dedicated to the visitor hold little or no interest for locals. Indeed, you do your best to avoid those places. If you know where to look there are great places to go and, in my day, a brilliant music scene. When you spend any length of time here, you figure it out quite quickly.
Blackpool has a very interesting history and, in its' heyday, it must have looked resplendent with so many fine buildings. (You can see some photos of the Winter Gardens and Grand Theatre here) This is not an exhaustive log of Blackpool Deco, much of which has been hidden behind nasty, plastic shopfronts and 1960s architectural vandalism. It is more of an attempt to make you look above those shopfronts, past the tat and the 'antiques of the future'. What's more, you don't have to go to Blackpool to find these hidden gems. In your town, next time you're just walking around, take a look up and examine what is above 'The Greggs'. I bet you'll be surprised (unless you live in Milton Keynes or, Swindon or, Skem, for example, in which case, don't bother).
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
22nd May 2014
Much of it, I have always avoided. Those parts dedicated to the visitor hold little or no interest for locals. Indeed, you do your best to avoid those places. If you know where to look there are great places to go and, in my day, a brilliant music scene. When you spend any length of time here, you figure it out quite quickly.
Blackpool has a very interesting history and, in its' heyday, it must have looked resplendent with so many fine buildings. (You can see some photos of the Winter Gardens and Grand Theatre here) This is not an exhaustive log of Blackpool Deco, much of which has been hidden behind nasty, plastic shopfronts and 1960s architectural vandalism. It is more of an attempt to make you look above those shopfronts, past the tat and the 'antiques of the future'. What's more, you don't have to go to Blackpool to find these hidden gems. In your town, next time you're just walking around, take a look up and examine what is above 'The Greggs'. I bet you'll be surprised (unless you live in Milton Keynes or, Swindon or, Skem, for example, in which case, don't bother).
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
22nd May 2014