 |
|
|
 | | 
© courtesy of Mr. M Johnston |
| |  |
Belfast Technical College - Steam Engines, Cuckoos and Monkeys! |
 |
The Tech has been a well-known Belfast landmark for generations, with many directions given with guidance like: "go as far as the Tech and then turn left...", even though most of those helpful locals may never have actually crossed its imposing threshold.
But now, after almost 100 years as a gateway to employment for thousands of apprentices, students and trainees from all over what became Northern Ireland, the direction and future of the huge, ornate, Victorian building is unclear.
Built from Portland Limestone, the design style is one of the classical forms of Baroque typical of England. Not subject to the mathematical rules of classical proportions or the planning of the contemporary Beaux - Arts design, the structure is characterised by massive frontages, domes and towers- all luxuriant with sculpture.
Samuel Stevenson's appointment as architect caused grave dissatisfaction amongst his professional peers. For reasons unknown, Stevenson did not register with any of the architectural societies or associations at the time.
Although he was responsible for sizeable buildings in the past - The Gallagher's tobacco factory for one, questions were being asked of his architectural ability on such a prestigious project.
…its the largest and most ornate cuckoo's egg ever laid in a songbird's nest…
Against this bad feeling Stevenson kept himself up to speed with the fashionable trends in architecture with extensive reading. He also travelled to England and Germany seeking to promote progressive ideas, including installing a Plenum ventilating and heating system. A similar model was installed in Manchester Technical Institute.
The steam engine which powers this system is still turning over like clockwork today and is one of the few remaining, commercially working, steam engines of its type in the UK.
The task of keeping the vast building going was upheld by men and women such as Bertie McClure, who joined the Tech as a mechanical fitter. Now retired after 39 years service, Bertie came back to the Tech to talk about the daily workings of this great establishment. In this audio clip Bertie talks about the huge amount of coal needed to keep the heating system working.
|
 Print this page |
|
Interact is your section. Join in the community - send in your own articles, chat, and tell us what the word 'heritage' means in your part of the country.
Go To Interact > |
| | |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| The 大象传媒 is not responsible for the content of external Web sites. |
| | | |
| | |
| |
|
