Hilton Arcade, Oldham

Built to a design by Wild, Collins and Wild, in 1893 this arcade presents a theatrical façade to Yorkshire Street. Constructed in three elements. The arcade is entered via a barrel vaulted triumphal entrance, over which is a stone stylised pilastered Roman Ionic bay, much decorated with rose cartouches to the spandrels. The third segment features a faux Venetian window whilst above announces the builder and over all this High Victorian ornamentation used to exist a Gallic inspired cupola and ogee dome, which was removed some time past. Thankfully the wrought iron entrance has not been altered and to the left of the entrance a billboard for a long since demolished pub, the 'Albion' which, thankfully has not been erased or 'improved'. Note the representation of Gladstone and Disraeli within the wrought iron entrance, and in a decidedly satirical manner the two are looking away from each other… reflecting that in reality each held the other In contempt. However, for an exemplar in how not to restore a Victorian shopping arcade, one need look no further than this narrow boulevard. An inept glazed pitched roof has been chain sawed into the original shaped gable and distressingly, this vandalism continues; an out of context blind parade of shop fronts and a rhythm of surreal regency urns perched atop of pilasters completes the travesty. [Oldham Historical Reseach Group]