Manchester Infirmary and Lunatic Asylum

J Stanton

Summary

A view looking from the end of Oldham Street in Manchester across to the Infirmary and Lunatic Hospital (since demolished - the site is now Piccadilly Gardens and bus station). The edge of a Georgian-style house occupies the left side of the foreground, then the scene opens out to a promenading and riding ground. A long pool can be seen behind an iron railing. The lunatic hospital (to the left) and the infirmary (the taller building) are sizeable establishments with rows of sash windows. On the infirmary is a decorative cupola and weather vane. Trees and gardens flank the buildings. The people in the scene are of a scale big enough to seem characterful, rather than anonymous staffage. For the most part they are leisured ladies and gentlemen, but a couple of cheerful, clean and hardworking tradespeople also feature.

Display Label

Manchester. What's your view? Is the horizon line the only constant in this small town turned second city? Artists have responded to Manchester painting the city's rapidly changing views; from rural beginnings, to industrialisation and expansion, through decline and then regeneration. Prospects, people, buildings, spaces all change, a continuing process. Vibrant, chaotic, modern, historic ... See this city.