A stunning Southport building that is celebrating its 100th birthday this year is being honoured through beautiful artwork in a brand new book.
This is how The Grand on Lord Street is portrayed by talented local artist Ruth Spillane in ‘Southport Illustrated’, which is due for publication on 1st October 2023.
Over the past six years, Ruth has been drawn to the beauty of the unique historic buildings throughout the beautiful seaside resort.
One of the landmarks which caught her eye was The Grand, an eye-catching Grade II Listed art deco structure that was built in 1923.
The Grand has been home to an early car showroom, a cinema, a bingo hall and a casino.
In July this year it celebrated its first birthday since a £4 million transformation by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group with a busy brasserie restaurant and the stylish Chloe’s piano bar on the ground floor.
The Princess Grace Suite on the first floor has become increasingly popular with a whole host of weddings, celebrations, events and functions.
Artist Ruth Spillane said: “The Grand is such an elegant building to draw with its art deco architecture.
“I loved drawing the bold lettering and lines. It is amazing how it’s been brought back to life again!
“After all these years it looks better than ever.
“It looks beautiful amidst the trees along Lord Street.”
Ruth’s painstakingly detailed artwork celebrates the very best of the beautiful seaside resort, with each work taking at least two days to create.
Scenes included in the book include The Grand, Lord Street, Silcock’s Funland, Wayfarers Arcade, June The Florist, Birkdale Village, Churchtown Village, The Atkinson, Kenworthy Mansions, Broadhurst’s Bookshop, Southport Market Quarter, Dune Radio and more.
People are invited to enjoy the launch of Ruth’s new Southport Illustrated book at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant on the Promenade in Southport between 11am and 1pm on Saturday 7th October 2023.
The book will be published on 1st October and costs £25 via pre-order or at the book signing.
Ruth will be signing copies of her new book, chatting with people about the inspiration for her artwork, and selling her unique prints, calendars and tote bags.
People can order it through Ruth Spillane’s Ruthie Illustrations page on Facebook here.
Artist Ruth Spillane is publishing a new book, Southport Illustrated.
The Grand opened its doors in July 2022 and is part way through a substantial restoration project with more to come.
Celebrities such as champion boxer Tony Bellew have appeared at special events this year, with England World Cup star Paul Gascoigne due on the bill this September.
The Princess Grace Suite features the iconic ‘Disney Windows’ which were created in the 1930s following agreement from Walt Disney himself when the historic building was used as a cinema.
The scenes feature a series of Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and have been lovingly restored.
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group is now working on the next phase of the development, preparing to open the much-awaited Harry’s Bar and the Sky Bar on the top floor next year.
The venue is the ultimate family business with owners Andrew and Vicky Mikhail having enjoyed their first date together in the building 23 years ago when it was Stanley’s Casino.
Chloe’s Piano Bar, the Princess Grace Suite and Harry’s Bar are named after three of the couple’s children.
Southport u3a celebrated the Coronation with a sumptuous tea party at the Grand in Southport. Provided by Darren Christian or Christian Classic Cars kindly chauffeured Kate, a 1934 Daimler. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group Chairman Andrew Mikhail said: “We have lots of reasons to celebrate! As well as The Grand reaching its first birthday, the building is 100 years old this year too.
“We are doing everything we can to renovate this amazing landmark and bring it back to its former glory.
“The feedback we have had from people since we opened The Grand last year has been magnificent.
“People have told us the venue has the real ‘wow’ factor when they walk in.
“I am overwhelmed with the amount of support I have had over the past few months.”
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group is a huge investor in Southport, particularly in the northern end of the historic Lord Street boulevard, with venues including the Bold Hotel, the Lord Street Hotel, the Lord Street Sports Bar, Punch Tarmey’s Irish themed bar and the Maverick’s Top Gun themed bar, which opened earlier this year.
The group also operates the centre bar at the historic Southport Market, which is celebrating its second birthday since its £1.4 million transformation in 2021.
- Southport Illustrated by local artist Ruth Spillane will be published on 1st October 2023. People can order it through Ruth Spillane’s Ruthie Illustrations page on Facebook here. It will also be available at local stockists including The Atkinson on Lord Street in Southport, Lancashire Makers in Churchtown Village and Waterstone’s bookshop on Chapel Street in Southport.
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