PPM revisits Manchester's Belle Vue amusement park - Picture ...

The
Ballroom provided accommodation
for 2500 dancers, and was said to be the
finest in Manchester. The ceiling was ornamented with
scenes of interesting places on the globe. The side panels
had pictures of animals in their native haunts. Directly outside
was the Open-Air Dancing Platform, mainly for Summer
use. (Horrocks postcard).
But the acreage was
increased and many innovations
were brought in. The
first guide book was issued
in 1847 and mentioned an
enlarged zoological collection,
a maze and a racecourse.
The really spectacular
firework displays
displays; Richard acted
more as a liaison officer
with the visitors.
Overall, Belle Vue went
from strength to strength.
The Great Lake, originally
dug in 1858, was enlarged
in 1876 and
This
image of the Bear Pits by Hermann
Fleury, in ‘The Star Series’ of postcards, is similar
to that on the Horrocks card. Fleury’s human figures
have a similar appeal to those of Lowry, although the style
is quite different. And with a few deft strokes, his polar
bears look alive. (Fleury ‘Star Series’ postcard).
The Bear Pits and
Polar Bear Cage were constructed between
1853 and 1855.The brown bears generally on show were of
the type seen as street performers in Edwardian times. The
polar bears were firm favourites; over the years they
acquired names such as Max, Lucy, Snowball and Thor.
(Horrocks postcard).
were introduced in 1852,
although smaller ones had
been held previously. The
famous Brass Band Contests
began in 1853.
By the time John Jennison
died in 1869 after a
prolonged and crippling illness,
he had built up an
institution of which Manchester
was proud. Control
of Belle Vue passed to his
sons, George, Charles,
James and Richard, and
eldest daughter Ann. Most
of the work fell upon
George, whereas Ann
played little part. George
Jennison died in 1878, aged
only 46. The administration
was divided between the
three remaining brothers.
Charles concentrated on the
botanical and legal side;
James concerned himself
with the zoo and firework
1882, and given a central
island with clock tower,
which was useful for timing
the hire of boats. Paddle
steamers were introduced
to the lake, which was used
for ice skating in winter. The
land near the Hyde Road
entrance was provided with
all manner of amusements,
including the Jungle Shooting
Range, Steam Horses
and a diversion called
Ocean Wave, which gave an
impression of being at sea.
The grounds reached a pinnacle
of popularity in the
1890s. The Edwardian period
and the time up to the
Great War saw further
developments, with yet
another generation of Jennisons
playing an active
part. Most of the postcards
which accompany this article
are from the Edwardian
The
elephant is dubbed here as
the Children’s Delight. Over the years, several Indian
elephants provided rides for the children. The rides
were discontinued in the late 1960s. The Fireworks
Viewing Stand is in the background. (Fleury ‘Star Series’
postcard).
era.
From 1856, Belle Vue
guide books were regularly
issued. I have them for
1916, 1929, 1953 and 1967.
The guide for 1916 has 32
pages, a very detailed foldout
pictorial map of the
grounds, and pen sketches
of some of the animals and
the ballroom. (Later guide
books included photographs).
The book gives a
tour of all the animal, bird
and reptile houses, starting
near the Hyde Road
entrance with the aviary
and lion and tiger house.
Numbers on the cages tallied
with those in the guide.
There is a summary of areas
not normally open to the
public, including the bakery,
brewery, gas works and
The Chinese Café provided a more a-la-carte menu than
the other refreshment rooms. Fleury’s artistry brings the
scene alive; the fellow at the nearest table seems to have
quite a following amongst the ladies. (Fleury ‘Star Series’
postcard).
continued....
Picture Postcard Monthly July 2010 25