The Whitworth Then and Now

In today’s post, Jacob charts the changing face of the Whitworth gallery and park over the last hundred years.

The Whitworth and park has undergone many changes through the years. Starting with its humble beginnings as Grove House, then the Whitworth Institute and Park in 1889, and now The Whitworth Art Gallery.

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THEN:  Front of the Whitworth designed by J.W Beaumont 1908
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NOW: Front of the gallery with sculpture terrace 
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THEN: Pathway looking southwards towards Rusholme
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NOW: Pathway looking south towards Rusholme
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THEN: Statue of King Edward VII, unveiled on October 16th 1913, by sculptor John Cassidy. The sculpture was placed directly in front of the then grand entrance to the Whitworth Park welcoming visitors in an oh-so Victorian manner. The statue was a gift to the gallery by James Gresham, who was a famous Manchester based businessman, engineer and art collector. He donated various works to the gallery and other institutions in Manchester, including another sculpture by John Cassidy titled ‘Adrift’ which can be found on Saint Peters square outside the Central Library.
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NOW:  King Edward may not have moved but the park has significantly changed around him. He no longer presides over the grand entrance to the park (which has since been demolished)

Interested in finding out more? Learn more about the history of the Whitworth and Park, and keep up to date with the Friends of Whitworth Park.

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