Manchester Baths and Wash Houses, New Islington, (Architectural Competition) 3

MANCHESTER NEW BATHS AND WASHHOUSES - The competitive designs for new baths, washhouses, and public room, in New Islington, Manchester, were exhibited on Monday, at the new Town Hall., Thirty designs were sent in, the first prize of £200 being awarded to one bearing the motto, "Economy well considered," shown by Mr. J. Johnson, 9, Queen Victoria-street,  London; the second of £100, to Messrs Mangnall and Littlewood, Brown-street, Manchester, and which bore the motto of "Perseverance ;" and the third of £50, to "Concilio et Labore," shown by Mr. J. Lowe, 12, Mansfield Chambers, St. Ann's Square, Manchester. [Manchester Times 17 November 1877 page 6]

3rd PREMIUM    JOHN LOWE - The designs which secured the third premium were furnished by Mr John Lowe, 22 Mansfield Chambers, St Ann’s Square, Manchester. “Concilio et Labore” was the motto adopted. The principal entrance in these plans is placed in Baker-street and is intended to afford access to the first and second class swimming baths. Adjacent to this vestibule is an office which is arranged to afford supervision over the entrances to and exits from all parts of the building. Another entrance in the same street, also with an office, serves the dual purpose of access to the public wash-house and women’s private baths. The New Islington entrance is for the especial use of the public rooms. The lower public room has two separate entrances and the upper room is similarly treated. The private wash-house and laundry is laid in the basement and is entirely separate from the public wash-house. The size of the first class swimming bath is 55 feet by 27 feet; that of the second class bath being 81 feet by 28 feet 6 inches. In designing that portion of the building special attention has been devoted to the construction of the roof in order that top light may be introduced at an angle to afford the most pleasing effect upon the surface of the water. Each public room is 72 feet by 36 feet. The estimated cost of the building is £20,887 and the engineering work and fittings £4,100, making a total of £24,987. There will be according to Mr Lowe’s arrangement 44 first class baths, 30 second class baths, 4 vapour and shower, 9 women’s and one Turkish, making a total of 88.[Manchester Guardian Monday 12 November 1877 Page 8]

Reference    British Architect 5 October 1877 Page 168 (Competitions)
Reference    Manchester Guardian Thursday 4 October 1877 Page 5
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 10 November 1877 Page 7 Column 6 - results
Reference    Manchester Guardian Monday 12 November 1877 Page 8 - descriptions 1-3rd
Reference    British Architect 16 November 1877