Manchester Exchange (Architectural Competition)

We presume that the third premium was taken by Mr Lowe because the plan and general arrangement were similar to the other premiated designs, the floor of the great room being placed, as in the other instance, some 13 feet above the level of the street, shops being formed below. Mr Lowe probably had the same opportunity of knowing the requirements of the committee, he being related to one of them. With the exception of the tower, which is well designed (and that would have appeared better had not the dome, if we may so term it, been somewhat out of drawing), we cannot say much in recommendation of the elevation; it is commonplace, the details particularly so, and perhaps we should be more correct in saying that there is a general want of detail. The interior has, however, considerable merit, although the same fault as above stated applies to this. [Builder 3 November 1866 Page 807]

No fewer than fifty-three architects from all parts of the country competed for the work, in the hope that they would at least obtain one of the three premiums offered. The drawings were on view in the Exhibition Room of the Old Exchange, and were inspected by more than 8,000 persons. The first and second premiums were awarded to Messrs. Mills and Murgatroyd of this city, and the third premium of one hundred guineas to Mr John Lowe, whose design was submitted under the motto "Mens conscia recti." All the premiated designs were in the Italian style, but a Gothic design, submitted by Mr. Alfred Waterhouse found many admirers.

Reference    Builder 13 October 1866 Page 768
Reference    Builder 3 November 1866 Page 807