Belfast Ulster Hall
Ulster Hall Photos
About Ulster Hall
Built in 1859 and opened in 1862, the Ulster Hall was established as a multi-purpose venue that ordinary folk would also be able to afford. It was designed for the Ulster Hall Company by William J Barre, an unknown architect from Newry. Incidentally, he was also responsible for the Albert Clock.
The building was sold to Belfast Corporation in 1902 for £13,500 and is presently a grade B1 listed building.
In the foyer here is a modern café and the box office.
Just behind a set of doors is the Grand Dame herself. And as can be seen this is undoubtedly one of Belfast’s finest concert halls. The large windows above the balcony that were for many years covered over now flood the hall with natural light.
From its earliest years the Ulster Hall has played host to famous figures of the age; from Jenny Lind and Caruso to Charles Dickens and John McCormack, from Lord Carson and the Dalai Lama to Barry McGuigan and the Rolling Stones.1
The most remarkable feature though is the huge organ that stands over the entire hall. It’s called the Mullholland Grand Organ and is one of the oldest examples of a functioning classic English pipe organ. It was built by William Hill but named after the former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Andrew Mulholland – a local linen baron who donated it to the hall in the 1860s. In the late 1970s, the organ was extensively restored to Hill’s own original design. Mullholland’s great-great-grandson, Henry Mulholland, 4th Baron Dunleath, oversaw the restoration.2
As well as concerts the building plays host to classical recitals, craft fairs and even political party conferences. In fact, Randolph Churchill gave his ‘Ulster will fight’ speech here; Big Daddy fought here and Led Zeppelin performed their iconic song “Stairway to Heaven” live, in 1971.
Upstairs at the back is another smaller theatrical space. This Minor Hall was used by the Ulster Group Theatre in 1933 and 1940. Later, between 1960-1971 it was known as the “Home of Ulster Comedy” and run by the legendary James Young and Jack Hudson.
During World War II, the Ulster Hall was used extensively as a dance hall providing entertainment for the US troops based in the province. Mysteriously, a shipment of American white oak planking arrived in Belfast to refurbish the dance floor.3
At the side is the Carey Gallery. Belfast City Council commissioned local artist Joseph W Carey to produce thirteen scenes from Belfast history on canvas, to be mounted within the Ulster Hall. The scenes depict the city and the surrounding area, incorporating historical and mythological influences.4 The paintings were restored in 1989 and again, by Kiffy Stainer-Hutchins & Co., King’s Lynn, in 2009.
A few other key events staged here include the Hallé Orchestra as they first played here in 1899, Edward Elgar conducted the Enigma Variations and in August 1964 the first album in NI was recorded in stereo.
On the opposite side is the Memorabilia Gallery. Along the walls are a number of ticket stubs, posters or programmes that chart the historic uses of the hall. It’s a small collection but with more being donated or loaned from the public it will surely grow over time.
The last major refurbishment in 2007 cost £8.5 million and was completed by the Consarc Design Group, under the direction of the architect Dawson Stelfox. The long and costly programme and restoration project was badly needed but the Ulster Hall is now not only a true reflection of its former glory but a modern venue that will continue the long tradition of entertaining future Belfast generations.
References
1 http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ulsterhall/historyindex.asp
2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_Hall
3 http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ulsterhall/historyindex.asp
4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_Hall
External Links
http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ulsterhall/index.aspx