Reece's Old Ballroom

12th November 
I have been interested in unusual/unique/abandoned spaces since visiting Williamson Tunnels and forming an exhibition there. Since then i was searching for a similar space, unusual/abandoned with history. I wasn't sure why. At first i though it was because i wanted to come up with another exhibition but then after my exploration of Liverpool i think i am interested in these spaces because they have memories imprinted in them, sounds, movement, people, events etc. I realised that i want to work with the space and its memories imprinted in the walls, to create a piece of work myself rather than organise an exhibition. By creating a piece of work for the space i want to highlight its history and purpose. Bring back its memories. 

I have recently been told by a friend that there is an old ballroom in city centre that is about to be converted into apartments. I decided to read more about it and see if i could find pictures of it. I also wanted to visit the space and see how i feel in it and what ideas might develop.

"City based developer, Caro Developments is preparing to transform the Parker Street neo-classical building into studio and one-bedroom apartments and has given a glimpse of the former venue’s remains.

Preparation work for the 91 new homes has uncovered more about the history of the building, where Beatles legend John married Cynthia in 1962.

Photographs, original tickets, dance cards and posters from Reece’s Ballroom were found including a leaflet advertising a beauty event which was attended by cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubenstein.

Caro Developments says it aims to stay true to the building’s original design when it refurbishes the upper floors and rooftop for the residential scheme, which will be situated above the street’s Superdrug store."  link to your move magazine

I have contacted Your Move Magazine who have passed my details along to a person who works with Caro Developers. Hopefully they will be open and happy for me to create a piece of work for the space. 

Reece's Ballroom as it is now:

Reece's Ballroom (before):

1934

John and Cynthia Lennon in 1962

A piece from The Liverpolitan Vol.13 No.12 pg.33, December 1948

''The tremendous increase in the number of devotes of the Terpsichorean art must be apparent to every social observer. At one time dancing was a form of recreation enjoyed almost exclusively by the middle and upper classes. That is not the case today for the art is practised by practically all. This is largely due to the new freedom which has found expression in a thousand different ways since the end of the Great War, and partly to the discovery on the part of many who were formerly prejudiced against dancing as a pastime that its pursuit is in no way detrimental to morality.

With characteristic foresight, when Messrs Reece embarked upon the erection of their magnificent restaurant in Parker St, they decided that the whole of the third floor should be laid out as a ballroom. From the pictures reproduced on this page it will be seen that it is spacious and airy. The spring floor is of the most modern construction and gives perfect enjoyment to the patrons. Another advantage is found in its easy accessibility from all parts.' 

18th November

I have been contacted by a person who works with Caro Developers from an The Foundary Agency, informing me that the work has already began at the site and i wouldn't be able to enter the space anyway due to health and safety rules. This hasn't put me off and i can work around that. 

My proposal for the space:

It is a space full of memories imprinted on the walls, full of history, people, dancing. It is a space in transition. I want to bring this forward. While the building is in the transition stage of becoming something else i want the sound of ballroom music to play for the last time. Whilst builders are working in the space i would want them to listen to ballroom music instead of their usual music that they would have played. With a chance for people to listen to it outside as well. Possibly speakers attached to the outside of the building, possibly for the duration of the transition until completion. This depends on if they like the idea and are willing to do this throughout or just for one day. 

24th November
I have contacted a general contact number the only one i could find linked with CARO. It wasn't CARO Developments however it was a previous project they have done - CARO Lettings at Bridewell Studios. It is proving hard to get a hold of CARO Developers themselves so i am trying another route through projects that they have already done. The route through the The Foundary Agency hasn't worked, a dead end. Just have been looked down on and shooed away. 

My next step would be to chat with an architect from university and see what is his opinion of how i should approach it.

25th November

I have found the architects that are working on the site - Falconer Chester Hall

link

~ Ev