Tuesday 12 April 2011

ABC Wednesday - Miller Arcade

  Now what could I find for this week's letter?  I rooted round some this years photographs and found in a recent visit to Preston I had taken a photograph of the windows ( and balcony) of the Victorian Italianate  terracotta façade of the Miller Arcade.  The Victorian were fond of balconies so there is one on the end
of the building, suitably ornate.  The British Listed Buildings site describes the arcade as being of "an eclectic style with some Moorish elements".  This is probably because until the mid 20th century it had a Turkish Baths on the first floor. The entrance to it was blocked up when it was turned into offices.
In a previous visit before Christmas I had taken a view of the interior of the Miller Arcade, well actually it was the stained glass in the windows, but being a gloomy winter afternoon they did not appear in the photograph as they had to the eye.  I had a search to see if I could snaffle someone's superior camera work but no luck, however the Lancashire County Council site does have one which shows off
its roof.  The building was modelled after the Burlington Arcade in London, however this Preston version got an award in 1895 that may be perceived as rather niche for the 'best planned fire-proof arcade', so rest easy if you are shopping here.

Mooch over to ABC Wednesday where there will be lots more words starting with the letter M
 

12 comments:

VioletSky said...

Well, to have won an award as the best fire-proofed arcade in 1895 certainly says something! So many beautiful old structures that burned down during that era, it is nice to know that this isn't a rebuild of hte original. That tiled floor is very impressive.

Roger Owen Green said...

I love old arcades. So much better than MALLS!

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Sylvia K said...

What a beautiful old arcade! I love it and what a great capture for the M Day! Definitely better than malls! The tile floor is magnificent!! Hope your week is going well, Joy!

Sylvia
ABC Team

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

How beautiful that is! Glad you went through your files to bring this one out.

Granny Smith said...

A great introduction to a beautiful bit of architecture!

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

I like balconies too! I love the light they let in and the sense of air and space.

Great photos. Thank you.
Meryl
http://departingthetext.blogspot.com

Hildred said...

What a wonderful spot to wander in, - or to work in if now it is offices rather than shops. I love your reference to the turkish baths....

Tumblewords: said...

I like this! It would be fun to wander there - to experience the balconies.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

1895! What a well-preserved building. They knew how to make buildings to last. Be fun to wander in there.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Nice pick for letter M! Beautiful captures too!

My Letter M, hope you can come and see. Have a great Wednesday!

J.Rylie.C said...

Beautiful M entry!

Will you lease come and see my Letter M? Thank you!

Leslie: said...

LOVE the marvelous architecture! :D

Leslie
abcw team