The Mechanics Institution was built in 1854 and is listed as being designed by James Pigott Pritchett, although it may be the work of his son James Pigott Pritchett Jr who set up a practice in Darlington in that very same year.
In later years its been a bank and a bar.
Mechanics Institution 1854, Darlington
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There’s a Mechanics’ Institute in Guisborough too. Have you photographed that? It’s been a bridal shop, a printer and some amusements over the last 20 years.
I need to revisit Guisborough and cover the whole Heritage Trail.
http://www.thisisguisborough.co.uk/thisisguisborough.nsf/e21aae7f2186c96e802578630036ae02/$File/HeritageTrail%20Buildings.pdf
Hi Chris, The architect was actually Joseph Sparkes (1817-1855). He was also involved in renovations / additions to the Quaker Meeting House, also on Skinnergate. There’s an article in the Yorkshire Post in 1853 about the laying of the foundation stone for The Mechanics’ Institute and he is named as the architect and has a part in the ceremony.
Some other internet sources attribute the building to Richardson & Ross but they were Sparkes’ apprentices and did not become Richardson & Ross until after his death.
Hi, I’m very interested in Joseph Sparkes and the Mechanics’ Institute. Is the article about the ceremony available online anywhere? I’d love to read it. Thanks.