Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery tour Rochdale Town Hall

Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery on a tour of the newly- renovated Rochdale Town Hall

In previous centuries, the Grand Tour was an aristocratic educational trip through European places of artistic and historical importance. Earlier this month, members of FRAG (Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery) took a modern-day tour of the newly- renovated Rochdale Town Hall, and grand it was indeed.

It has already generated some 11,000 visitors and attracted much international attention since opening in March. FRAG’s guided tour was led by Peter Fitton, who delivered his encyclopaedic knowledge and insights with genial enthusiasm. He was also a cordial compere - the star of the show being the town hall itself.

It is rumoured that this was one UK building that Hitler would have had if he would have won. This may be apocryphal, but it speaks to the reputation of this notable example of Victorian neo-gothic architecture from 1871, shot through with local history.

The last time that FRAG toured in 2019, the late Alan Taylor gave a short demonstration of the Binns organ in the main hall. The internationally renowned instrument has undergone the first phase of its restoration, so hopefully, we will soon hear one of the town’s greatest assets again.

But even more glorious than the artistic and historic gems that now gleam so brightly was the overwhelming sense of freedom and fun. Formal tours framed by restored opulent decoration, a mayoral photoshoot in progress, contrasted with adults and children wandering freely, which created the feeling that this is a massive community arts activity for all. The welcoming staff clearly tried to put people at ease.

The town hall has always projected a sense of civic grandeur and wonderment. Still so today, but it felt much more relaxed, like a prim Victorian nanny who has just let her hair down or taken advice from Mary Poppins. For example, the startling reclaimed Bright Hall above the Great Hall, includes panels of new artwork by the local community.

The FRAG tour allowed them to see areas yet to be opened, such as the Martlet Kitchen Restaurant, opening May 2024. The heraldic symbol of the Martlet (a mythical footless bird that never roosts) promises boundless energy to the very end. When the environs are complete and Touchstones too has finished its own renovation in 2025, Rochdale will have a remarkable Arts Quarter, whose energy should inspire our communities for many generations to come.

FRAG continue to meet whilst Touchstones is closed. They meet every second Thursday afternoon of each month, based at the Rochdale Music Service building in The Butts. The next event is a talk on Artists Rooms from the Tate and National Scottish galleries tour, which Touchstones will partner in 2025. All enquiries 01706 648872.

Dr Joe Dawson