manchester

mancunians

expats

Then and Now: The Royal Exchange

THEN: The Exchange in 1900

But the eye-catching architecture that makes the Royal Exchange an instantly recognisable city centre landmark has seen it survive and flourish happily over many years.

However, most people who hear the Exchange name think mainly of the theatre that lies within its walls. Yet, this is a building that has successfully managed to redefine itself many times while retaining a prominence that dates back to the 18th century.
The older image taken in 1900 is a dark, foreboding site, but Manchester's city fathers were said to be keen to adopt the classical architecture of Greece as opposed to Rome for its public buildings.

NOW: The Royal Exchange

Entering the building has been described as a theatrical experience itself, and no-one would argue with that.

A glass lift takes you to the entrance of the enormous hall, and although the Royal Exchange Theatre is in-the-round, the theatre itself is seven-sided so that the tiered banks of seats are not directly opposite one another, and leaves the theatre bathing in golden, sulphur-plasma lighting and a real sense of space.

The archive photograph is part of a collection chronicling the changing face of Manchester during the past 250m years.

The collection of 77,000 images that can be found on computer at Manchester Central Library.

Links within ManchesterOnline

Links to other web sites