Grand Hotel Birmingham: UK December 2014

The Grand Hotel is a large Victorian grade ii listed building in Birmingham.

The building was designed by Thomas Plevins, construction took around four years to complete and the hotel finally opened in 1879.

By 1890 financial difficulties hit the hotel and it was returned to the original owners. Very soon renovations and extensions were in progress, this work was taken on by a local firm Martin & Chamberlain. They really came out with some stunning plans especially when it came to the extension, as you can see from the stunning Louis XIV style Grosvenor Room. Its this amazing room which drew me to this location in the first place.

During the early 20th century the hotel was very popular with the rich and famous, hosting many functions and exclusive guests. Royalty, celebrities and politicians regularly graced these grand walls.

Sadly the hotel was plagued with financial difficulties and has closed a number of times even the £2 million pounds spent on renovations during the 1970's it eventually closed in 2002. In 2004 the Grand Hotel was given Grade ii listing status to protect it from demolition. In 2012 a £30 million project was proposed to restore the building which has been ongoing ever since, the priority was to restore and protect the intricate external details first and I believe this is now almost complete.

So I had found out renovations were going on here and was a little unsure of the situation so I chose a very quiet day over the Christmas period to go and take a look. An early start and a long drive I arrived in the centre of Birmingham. It took a while to work out access but eventually I was inside. However this was only the first step to overcome. Wandering around in the dark looking for one specific room in a large hotel is not easy. I eventually took a seat on the stairs and had to google the Grosvenor Room to work out where it was.

I found a number of doors and each one was sealed after much searching I finally found it. Only there was one problem, I am on a small balcony. I search again to look for other access or a ladder. There is no way I can get a ladder to the balcony, but I do come across some rope. I hate heights but I love this room and I so want to shoot it properly. I tie a few hoops into the rope and then tie it to the top of the balcony. After a slightly nervous climb down I am eventually standing on the floor in total awe of this amazing room full of so much detail.

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Grand Hotel Birmingham: A fairly stripped room with a few remaining features.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: A larger room in a little bit better condition.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: There was a lack of light at the base of the staircase.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Part way up the staircase.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Looking down the main staircase.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: The grovesnor room from the small balcony. I had no way to get down or in the room. All the doors were locked.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Large mirrors next to the balcony. So after another search I return with a solution. A sketchy solution.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: So I eventually get to the floor level.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: There is a much larger balcony.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Looking back to the small balconies. You can see my makeshift ropeladder hanging on the right.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Looking up under the large archway.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Another full length view of the room.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: A full legth view slightly looking up.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: A good look at the ceiling.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Looking towards the large windows.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Reflection from the large mirror.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Looking up to the ceiling against the large mirror.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: A closer shot to show more ceiling detail.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: The entrance lobby was really dark but full of features.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Entrance lobby leading to the balcony.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Staircase and under the balcony.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: There is some decay up on the balcony.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Even more mirrors up here.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Balcony from the other side.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Looking out from the main balcony.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Ceiling view from the balcony.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Fianlly a smaller room with grand piano. The big doors were full of detail.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Looking back to the main room.

Grand Hotel Birmingham: Full wide shot of the smaller room.

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