| Description | Library and Art Gallery built in 1937, designed by E H Ashburner. Constructed of steel frames and faced with local pink stone, the plan form is square with a central atrium containing the main staircase through three storeys plus basement. The main entrance facade has protruding central section with central entrance doorway with ogee curved consoles supporting a cornice, flanked by two tall metal framed rectangular windows with slightly recessed architraves, plus five at first floor level with cornice above. Decorative panel above cornice. Three windows on each side on ground and first floors. Second floor has no external windows. There is a bas relief frieze in Classical style between ground and first floor windows on either side, and two free standing statues in the classical style with modernist influence flanking the entrance steps.
Inside, the entrance hall retains its original coffered ceiling and lights, and is marble lined. A fine Imperial staircase provides access to all floors, and has a brass handrail. The floor is paved with chequer design (now hidden by carpet), and the landing walls panelled in wood veneer (landing floor with original cork tiles). The meeting room is also fully panelled in wood veneer with original doors and fittings, and there are some original bookcases in library and original doors throughout. The building was built 1937, and opened as a library and art gallery in 1940; it is still in original use.
(Text edited from English Heritage’s LBO description) |