Talk:Victoria Rooms, Bristol/GA1

GA Review

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Reviewer: Elekhh (talk) 03:36, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

GA review (see here for criteria)

1. It is reasonably well written.

   a (prose): b (MoS for lead, layout, word choice, fiction, and lists):

2. It is factually accurate and verifiable.

   a (references): b (citations to reliable sources): c (OR):

3. It is broad in its coverage.

   a (major aspects): b (focused):

4. It follows the neutral point of view policy.

   Fair representation without bias:

5. It is stable.

   No edit wars, etc.:

6. It is illustrated by images, where possible and appropriate.

   a (images are tagged and non-free images have fair use rationales): b (appropriate use with suitable captions):

7. Overall:

   Pass/Fail:

Started review. Comments will follow shortly. --Elekhh (talk) 03:36, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

As foreshadowed, while technically well written I find the article needs some improvement in coverage. Reading it for the third time, I still find the structure somewhat unclear with elements of the building history repeated in the Building and History sections.

• Focus:
  • I find the forecourt should be a separate section as its design is different in style from that of the building and is also a separate heritage item. More information about its history and configuration would be beneficial.
  • The article would benefit from a more clear distinction between the Building and History sections, with less repetition. One way would be to have the History section focus only on the uses of the building, the other way would be to have the Building section focus only on its current configuration.
    • Done. Jezhotwells (talk) 09:25, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

• Broad coverage:

There are many gaps in the article and at least some would need to be filled for the coverage to be assessable as "broad". Some of these are:

• Location
  • Why was it located there ?
    • Found a mention of it occupying one of the finest sites in Clifton. But no definite information on why that spot.
  • Was it a design choice to locate it as a terminating vista to the approach from the city centre along Queen's Rd?
    • Maybe, but cannot find any references.
      • Found this which at least states that it "sits on the axis of the prominent intersection of Queens Road". --Elekhh (talk) 05:16, 11 January 2011 (UTC)
  • Did its location close to the University campus influence its later use?
    • LIkewise, no definite information available.
• Uses
  • Clifton Cinema seems to have been a major use. The History of Bristol Amateur Operatic Society mentions the Victoria Rooms being turned into a cinema in 1921.
    • I don't think these can regarded as reliable sources. Until we find Rs, this information can't be in the article. And an RS says that it was given to the University in 1920 so maybe those dates are wrong?
  • How important was and still is as an events venue within Bristol?
    • Addressed.
• Internal design
  • While most of the article focuses on the design of the façade, and suggest that the interior is of limited noteworthiness, I found a couple of mentions of the octagonal room which would probably warrant its mentioning in the article. ([1], [2])
  • I would expect that the interior has been remodelled as often as a major change of use occurred, yet so far the article only mentions the 1934 fire. In 1921 the cinema might have required another one and the c1950 remodelling was another one.
    • But we have no concrete information on what was changed. Jezhotwells (talk) 09:25, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

I am aware that there might not be sources available to address each of these points, but the article would need to progress along these lines to meet GA. I am placing the review on hold to allow for improvements. --Elekhh (talk) 06:57, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

Thank you for the review. I have addressed those points where reliable sources can be found. I may have more tomorrow. Jezhotwells (talk) 23:59, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

Thanks, have a look if this is useful: This source states that "the first public display of electricity in Bristol was in 1863 at the Victoria Rooms, to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra" which appears to be a good illustration of the importance of the building at that time. --Elekhh (talk) 05:16, 11 January 2011 (UTC)

• Thanks for the great work. The article has been significantly expanded (ca.60%) during the review to achieve a broad coverage which now includes location, interior configuration and historic uses. It is also better structured and focused, which will help with further expansions. I am happy to promote it to GA status. --Elekhh (talk) 22:02, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

Thank you again for the thorough review and thanks also to SmartSE and Rod foryour inaqvaluable help. Good to meet up with you today. Jezhotwells (talk) 22:48, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Bristol Wiki Meetup

You are invited to the Bristol Wiki Meetup which will take place at The Commercial Rooms, 43-45 Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1HT on Sunday 28 July 2013 from 1.00 pm. If you have never been to one, this is an opportunity to meet other Wikipedians in an informal atmosphere for Wiki and non-Wiki related chat and for beer or food if you like. Experienced and new contributors are all welcome. This event is definitely not restricted just to discussion of Bristol topics. Bring your laptop if you like and use the free Wifi or just bring yourself. Even better, bring a friend! Click the link for full details. Looking forward to seeing you. Philafrenzy (talk) 22:45, 1 July 2013 (UTC)