Building Bolton: The Bradshaw Gass & Hope Story 

Saturday 2 April 2022 to Sunday 26 June 2022 in the Temporary Exhibitions gallery

This exhibition explores the legacy of the celebrated local architectural practice.

Bradshaw Gass and Hope was founded in Bolton in 1862 by Jonas James Bradshaw (1837-1912). The firm initially rose to prominence as designers of cotton mills, but later gained recognition for a succession of large civic and commercial buildings, a high point being the rebuilding of the Manchester Royal Exchange in 1921.

Locally, they are best-known as the designers of Le Mans Crescent, which was completed in 1939. 

The beautiful architectural drawings, photographs, furniture and business records that feature in the exhibition are drawn from the Bradshaw Gass and Hope Archive.

The exhibition celebrates the Museum’s recent acquisition of the archive. It has been acquired with the support of the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Art Fund.