Dec 9, 2023Liked by Jack Dulhanty, Mollie Simpson, Sophie Atkinson
Great writing Mollie - a dreamy quality that somehow takes us all with you and shares the oddity of this "rabbit hole" experience. Loved the detail, the personalities and the sheer weirdness of the rich and famous off -screen. Thanks.
Forty years ago Victoria Baths was a surviving bathing palace, with laundry, Turkish & Russian steam rooms & the nation’s first public jacuzzi. It opened in 1906, closed in 1993 & won the first series of BBC Restoration in 2003.
So (caution, giant name drop worthy of Chanel approaching) in 1983 I introduced an actor who was filming a drama series for Granada TV at the time, to his first of several steam baths at Victoria. The series was the instantly forgettable spy thriller Chessgame. The actor, who Empire magazine later voted one of the 100 sexiest screen actors of all time, was Terence Stamp. Terence famously shared an East London flat with Michael Caine, & his bed with successive long term partners, actor Julie Christie and supermodel Jean Shrimpton.
On his last visit to the steam rooms at Victoria Baths Terence left several bottles of vintage wines as a thank you for the discreet and attentive staff. Had he been around in Manchester last Thursday night Mollie, I’ve a shrewd feeling Terence might have been on the Chanel guest list. He might even have been lucky enough to have shared a people carrier from Thomas Street to the aftershow with the great Manchester photographer Jan Chlebik.
A wonderful writer of a previous era said that journalism demanded 'ratlike cunning and a plausible manner', so well done Mollie on demonstrating both. A very enjoyable piece. Though, incidentally, Sofia Coppola is a writer and director rather than a film star.
I couldn’t stop reading... waiting for the dream-like incursion to be terminated. Good reporting but at a French event in Manchester, why use the ludicrous American euphemism ‘bathroom’? That jarred a bit. A distraction.
Thanks Mollie, all I needed to know about this 'event'. I wonder , did the glitterati even know they were in a former swimming baths for the after party?
Without valuating, you describe the existing global class system which has been celebrated by this event. Nothing else. The best of this empty bag show was you, Mollie, sneeking in! I must admit - if I would have had the chance, I would have done the same... Thank you Mollie for always good journalism. I know, why I am a member of the Mill.
Great writing Mollie - a dreamy quality that somehow takes us all with you and shares the oddity of this "rabbit hole" experience. Loved the detail, the personalities and the sheer weirdness of the rich and famous off -screen. Thanks.
Metal Gear Mill
🤣That’s awesome. Well done - I might have to change my tactics from a Hi-Vis jacket & clipboard to a half glass of champagne, much more civilised.
Forty years ago Victoria Baths was a surviving bathing palace, with laundry, Turkish & Russian steam rooms & the nation’s first public jacuzzi. It opened in 1906, closed in 1993 & won the first series of BBC Restoration in 2003.
So (caution, giant name drop worthy of Chanel approaching) in 1983 I introduced an actor who was filming a drama series for Granada TV at the time, to his first of several steam baths at Victoria. The series was the instantly forgettable spy thriller Chessgame. The actor, who Empire magazine later voted one of the 100 sexiest screen actors of all time, was Terence Stamp. Terence famously shared an East London flat with Michael Caine, & his bed with successive long term partners, actor Julie Christie and supermodel Jean Shrimpton.
On his last visit to the steam rooms at Victoria Baths Terence left several bottles of vintage wines as a thank you for the discreet and attentive staff. Had he been around in Manchester last Thursday night Mollie, I’ve a shrewd feeling Terence might have been on the Chanel guest list. He might even have been lucky enough to have shared a people carrier from Thomas Street to the aftershow with the great Manchester photographer Jan Chlebik.
A wonderful writer of a previous era said that journalism demanded 'ratlike cunning and a plausible manner', so well done Mollie on demonstrating both. A very enjoyable piece. Though, incidentally, Sofia Coppola is a writer and director rather than a film star.
I couldn’t stop reading... waiting for the dream-like incursion to be terminated. Good reporting but at a French event in Manchester, why use the ludicrous American euphemism ‘bathroom’? That jarred a bit. A distraction.
Lovely stuff Mollie. I let out a loud YEAH!! when you got in!
Really enjoyed reading this Mollie, such a great perspective and your fear of being discovered is so tangible 😬
Thanks Mollie, all I needed to know about this 'event'. I wonder , did the glitterati even know they were in a former swimming baths for the after party?
Without valuating, you describe the existing global class system which has been celebrated by this event. Nothing else. The best of this empty bag show was you, Mollie, sneeking in! I must admit - if I would have had the chance, I would have done the same... Thank you Mollie for always good journalism. I know, why I am a member of the Mill.