What is The Midland Hotel?
The Midland Hotel is one of Manchester’s most famous and grand hotels. Opened in 1903 by the Midland Railway, it is a magnificent example of Edwardian Baroque architecture, built with red brick and brown terracotta.
Why Shoot Here?
- Edwardian Grandeur: The hotel’s exterior is incredibly detailed, with ornate terracotta carvings and a grand presence that dominates the street corner.
- Historic Significance: It’s where Mr. Rolls met Mr. Royce, making it a spot of great historical interest as well as beauty.
- Luxurious Interiors: The lobby and public bars offer a glimpse into a bygone era of luxury, with marble floors, grand staircases, and ornate ceilings.
- Street View Perspectives: The hotel’s location at the junction of several major streets provides numerous angles for capturing its imposing scale within the city centre.
Best Times to Shoot
- Golden hour: The red brick and brown terracotta glow warmly in low evening sun — the hotel faces roughly south so catches afternoon and evening light well.
- Blue hour: The hotel is lit at night and looks grand against a twilight sky, particularly from across St Peter’s Square.
- Weekday mornings: The lobby and public bars are quieter, allowing more freedom for interior compositions.
Composition Ideas
- Shoot the full facade from across the street to capture the Edwardian Baroque detail and scale.
- Get close to the terracotta carvings and ornamental details — there’s extraordinary craftsmanship in the exterior decoration.
- Inside, use the marble floors, grand staircase, and ornate ceilings for interior architectural photography.
- Frame the hotel entrance with the surrounding modern buildings for an old-meets-new Manchester composition.