Third Manchester Free Trade Hall (Architectural Competition)

A limited competition in which five Manchester architects were invited to submit designs, namely: Edward Walters, J E Gregan, Travis and Mangnall, Starkey and Cuffley, and Edward Salomons. Gregan declined to submit an entry and the competition was won by Walters.

The second premium of 100 guineas was awarded to Salomons and his designs were subsequently exhibited at the 34th Exhibition of the Works of Modern Artists at the Royal Manchester Institution in 1854

PRIZE DESIGN FOR FREE TRADE HALL -  A very creditable design, simple in form and solid in character, - indeed perhaps rather too much so. The principal façade looks rather flat; and wanting in projections and recesses; but most probably the designer may have been tied down by regulations which precluded the possibility of an elaborate exterior. [Manchester Guardian 11 October 1854 page 8]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 11 October 1854 page 8 - Royal Manchester Institution Exhibition: water colours