Atkinson Library And Art Gallery

SOUTHPORT

SD3317SE LORD STREET 664-1/12/106 (East side) 15/11/72 Atkinson Library and Art Gallery

GV II

Public library and art gallery, now art gallery and part of library (internally integrated with adjoining Southport Library building, qv). 1878. By Waddington & Sons of Burnley; given by William Atkinson of Preston. Sandstone ashlar, slate roof. Victorian Classical style. EXTERIOR: 3 storeys and 3 bays. Symmetrical, with a pedimented centre breaking forwards, channelled plinth, giant corner pilasters, dentilled cornice with panelled parapet, and a pair of domed turrets in the centre flanking a pavilion roof with cresting. The pedimented centre, with engaged giant Composite columns distyle in antis, entablature with frieze inscribed: ATKINSON FREE LIBRARY, dentilled cornice with foliated modillions, and tympanum with carved relief figures, has a large round-headed blank arch with stepped surround, enriched imposts and head, framing a square-headed doorway and a large carved roundel; and above this a pilastered band of 3 sunk panels. The flanking bays each have a foundation stone in the plinth, a 3-light window (with altered glazing) in pilastered arcades with carved tympani, and at first-floor level a band of 3 sunk panels with relief carving of classical figures engaged in various arts. INTERIOR: not inspected. Forms group with Southport Arts centre attached to the left (qv) and with Southport Library building adjoining to right (qv).

Listing NGR: SD3357217198