Thomas Worthington and Sons Archive
The archive of the Manchester based architecture practice active in the 19th and 20th centuries
Overview
![Architectural drawing of a memorial hall](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column/public/2021-08/Memorial%20Hall%20by%20Thomas%20Worthington%20v2.jpg?h=533e6bf6&itok=qHHAj_Z-)
This extensive archive records the work of an important architecture practice working principally in Manchester, and also nationally.
Thomas Worthington and Sons were responsible for some of Manchester’s most important private and civic buildings of the 19th and early 20th centuries including the Memorial Hall and the Albert Memorial in Manchester, the Manchester City Police and Sessions Courts, and the East Lancashire Masonic Temple. They also created a number of innovative warehouse designs, early public baths and laundries, and were involved in long-term development work on the Manchester Royal Infirmary and Manchester Cathedral.
Image: Plans for the Memorial Hall, Albert Square, Manchester, c. 1864
The archive covers 140 years of the practice’s activities and includes:
- plans and elevations
- photography
- bills of quantities
- specifications
- correspondence
This archive is not currently available to search online. You can view it in person in our Reading Room by making an appointment. If you’d like to bring a group to see some of the archive, enquire about a group visit.
Access the archive
Photography and copyright
You can photograph our collections for personal study and research only. Just ask for a photography permission form when you visit.
If you’re not able to visit us in person, we may be able to send you a scan or photograph of the item instead.
Contact us if you need an image for use in social media, print or online publication, or commercial purposes.
Get in touch
![Staff helping a student at the Helpdesk](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column/public/2021-10/Staff%20at%20the%20Helpdesk_0.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=BcOoH_Dg)