• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team
  • HI folks the server that hosts the site completely died including the Hdd's and backups.
    Luckily i create an offsite backup once a week! this has now been restored so we have lost a few days posts.
    im still fixing things at the moment so bear with me and im still working on all images 90% are fine the others im working on now
    we are now using a backup solution

Grand Hotel Colmore Row

When I organised an event there in the 1980s it was clear - and very, very sad - that the Hotel was on a downhill slope. The only reason we decided to use the place for our event was because of the size of the Grosvenor Room as it could accommodate a very large number of people. Our conference delegates were blown away by the room. My colleagues and I didn't stay at the hotel (which we would normally have done) simply because it just didn't appeal. Although the Grosvenor Room was jaw-dropping in it's decor, other parts of the hotel had become quite shabby and unappealing. I personally think the Grosvenor Room (and of course the Hotel facade) has been it's saving grace. It's since been used as a backdrop for filming and looks terribly opulent and grand. You get a short glimpse of how a handful of people lived.

Phil - I too wouldn't have been comfortable in the place either. When we snubbed it as a place to stay, it made me realise how times and fortunes can so easily change. Viv.
 
Any news on progress with the Grand building? Was just looking at this photo and was really struck by how vast it was. Is the new development the same footprint? Think it must have well and truly put the GWR hotel at Snow Hill in the shade. Although I'd guess the clientele of the two hotels were very different. Viv.

ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1405711098.074127.jpg




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
My mother met my father here in the late 1930's - I have a faded but very evocative photograph taken in the Ball Room of a Staff party dating form the late 30's- reminds me of The Shining!!!
 
If you'd like to post the photo, I'd love to see it Maggie. Viv.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Maggie - Your mother probably would have known my Auntie, Evelyn Hanson, who was Head Receptionist at the Grand for many years. I'm not sure when she first went there to work but I know she was there in the 40's. She lived in at the hotel.



Judy
 
Vivienne14 said:
If you'd like to post the photo, I'd love to see it Maggie. Viv.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...

Give me day or two - to locate, scan and uploafd, My mother was Nancy May Bissiker (bn 1920) and my father was Richard Healy (bn1916) a little Irishman
 
That's lovely Maggie, look forward to seeing it - in your own time. If the photo could be improved, I'm sure someone on here will tinker with it for you if you'd like that. Viv.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Maggie - My auntie died some years ago now so unfortunately I can't ask her whether she knew your parents or not.
 
Interesting that the card advertises self contained suites. I expect that meant bedroom with sitting room area. Doubt it meant with bathroom ensuite for 300 rooms. Or did it?

Agree Carolina. Central/Midland numbers definitely sound classier too! 'Oh yes dahhhhling , we're a Central number' Viv.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Prior to the late 20's it was the lovely old Hip bath for full ablutions and the pitcher and ewer for the daily necessities! The later provided discreetly each day by an unseen maid and the former brought up via the 'dumb waiters' or service lifts then the client alerted when all was ready
 
Grand Hotel Distance View 20140926.jpg

This view over the roof of St Phillips cathedral is the first glimpse of the top three floors after completion of refurbishment and part of the protective curtain removed, leaving a see through screen. The photograph is likely to be published by Hortons Estates Ltd., soon and has been provided first to the Forum, because of the keen interest from some of its members. Allanbrum
 
That's great Allan and thank you very much. When it emerges from its covers it's going to look stunning. Well worth the wait! Already you gain a real sense of its stature as a Grand Hotel. On behalf of members thank you for an early glimpse of the revitalised building. Viv.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
The Grand Hotel, now with a crane. As seen from Colmore Square, on a cold, but brilliant blue sky Saturday!

 
I won't hold my breath about that Jenny we Brummies can find fault with almost anything.
 
it really lifts my spirits to see a building being restored not demolished...thanks for the photos ell

lyn
 
No problem Astoness / Lyn!


Taken 10 years from it being listed for anything to happen!

Note that all of the shops on Colmore Row have closed down at the Grand Hotel. Assume they are going to be working on those shop spaces.
 
They"re making good progress. If only more buildings were given this sort of attention. I know it's taken years to get this building slowly restored and there's still a lot more to do, but why is this much more promising than other projects? Viv.
 
In my early playing days I worked in bands at the old Grand Hotel, and sometime during the sixties/seventies (cannot remember when), I undertook a national lecture drum clinic/percussion tour, which including an evening at the Grand Hotel for a room full of 'Brummie' drummers. A most enjoyable time for me. Eddie
 
Vivienne14 said:
They"re making good progress. If only more buildings were given this sort of attention. I know it's taken years to get this building slowly restored and there's still a lot more to do, but why is this much more promising than other projects? Viv.
Click to expand...

viv i would suspect because its in the city centre...

lyn
 
Having seen the Hidden Spaces photos of the Scala cinema, I'm hoping something happens to that (either restore it and give it a use, or knock Scala House down and redevelop it).

How could it just be abandoned like a time capsule since 1988?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top