On a sunny afternoon in July 1933, a remarkable building opened its doors to the public for the first time. The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company had taken the bold step of replacing its old Victorian hotel on Morecambe's seafront with a sparkling white Modernist structure - quite unlike anything seen before in an English seaside resort. Acclaimed from every quarter for its revolutionary architecture and the quality of its interior, with outstanding works by leading artists of the day, the Midland Hotel was unique. Resplendent on the promenade, its gleaming facade promising a bright future, the Midland was seen as the town's 'white hope'.This book, with its numerous superb illustrations, tells the fascinating story of the hotel from its inception and 1930s prime, through its role as a hospital in World War Two, its sale into private ownership and fluctuating fortunes up to the present day. Having reached rock-bottom in 2002, this former embodiment of glamour and luxury was a sorry sight. Empty, save for the vagrants and pigeons, with peeling paint, broken windows and a leaking roof, it barely staved off demolition.At the eleventh hour, however, rescue came in the shape of award-winning property developers Urban Splash who purchased the building in 2003. The multi-million pound project to rehabilitate the hotel for the twenty-first century is nearing completion and the building is scheduled to re-open in the spring of 2008. Retaining the elegance and style which made the Midland Hotel so special, this beautifully restored hotel is set once again to be Morecambe's 'gleaming white hope'. This book comes now with a superb brand new extra section bringing the story up to date with the completion and opening of the hotel!
| ||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Review
'This is a truly remarkable book. Never before have I come across what is in essence a biography of a hotel, and a very readable and attractive one to boot.' Malcolm Greenhalgh, Lancashire Life magazine
About the Author
Barry Guise is a founder member of the Friends of the Midland Hotel and has recently retired as Senior Lecturer in Geography at St Martin's College, Lancaster. He lives in Bolton-le-Sands, near Morecambe with his wife, Lesley and two black and white cats, Dill and Tansy.Pam Brook is a committee member of the Friends of the Midland Hotel and is currently Head of Foundation Studies in Art and Design at Bradford College. She catalogued the art works in the Midland as part of her Masters degree in Art History in 1992. She lives in Oakworth, near Keighley.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Terry Mcgill
Format:Paperback
An excellent book detailing the history of the Art Deco Midland Hotel in Morecambe, Lancashire. From the first hotel on the site through the building of the present day Midland and its recent refurbishment, many details relating to the personalities involved and problems associated with the work are featured, as well as anecdotes from former employees. This is an entertaining and informative work, with many photographs of the original interiors, as well as potted histories of the personalities involved. A great read, and well worth the price.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book brings alive the icon of MORECAMBE, "THE MIDLAND HOTEL".Have been going to Morecambe since the 50,s and witnessed the decline and fall of this great lady over the years.Just visited the "new" MIDLAND in Oct.2009 and wonderfull to see the re-birth.This book tells the whole story,from birth to re-birth.Written with love and affection,superb detail,memrobilia and photos.A MUST for anyone interested in the British sea-side/golden hotels or a great read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A brilliant account of the history of The Midland Hotel ,Morecambe !!!
12 Mar 2013
By lynneduckegg
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Loved this book a brilliant account of the History of The Midland Hotel Morecambe stayed there recently & had the great pleasure of meeting the Author of the book by pure chance !!!:)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Midland Hotel, Morecambe
A very informative Christmas present for husband (who collects info. on Eric Gill, sculptor)
We feel interested enough to make a visit to the Hotel
We feel interested enough to make a visit to the Hotel
Published 3 months ago by Mrs Brenda Fellowes
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Midland Hotel
A very well researched and interesting history of the Midland hotel detailing its construction, working life, decline, destitution and resurrection by urban splash in the early... Read more
Published 9 months ago by The Modernist
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
A very well researched and brilliantly illustrated history of Morecombe's Midland Hotel. From its art deco heydey, through its decline and back to its stunning restoration. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr 80s
4.0 out of 5 stars
Iconic
Stay a night - Read the book - Live the history. 1/2 price - Quick delivery - Coffee table addition.
Published on 2 Feb 2011 by jonbirduk
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book
I bought this book for a friend after she briefly visited Morecambe and, as she had seen a TV programme about The Midland Hotel, she would have liked to have gone inside. Read more
Published on 18 Sep 2010 by Denzil36
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
