Upton Library

Upton Library

This inter-war public library opened in 1936 to designs of architect Richard Furniss. It is constructed of Flemish-bonded variegated red and brown machine brick over a sandstone plinth, with cast concrete parapets. The building is arranged on a symmetrical open book plan featuring a central oval rotunda with twin projections to the south.

The exterior comprises a single-storey composition centred on a double-height elliptical rotunda, flanked by lower, slightly stepped segmental projections. Each projection is lit by a single window and frames a double-height portal. The original sliding metal-framed doors with glazed rectilinear panels remain intact, surmounted by a tall metal-framed overlight with matching rectilinear detailing, all set within a moulded sandstone architrave. The side elevations are skewed towards a long canted rear wall and are plainly detailed with three equally spaced replacement uPVC windows within a flush unified frame of stretchers. The rear elevation and projections are plainly detailed, with windows having flush concrete lintels and timber sills. A concrete basement stair to the rear is enclosed by iron railings.

The interior plan is intact, comprising a fan-shaped central lending library flanked by wings containing the children's library to the west and the former newsroom (now the general and reading room) to the east. The rotunda contains an elliptical vestibule accessed via original varnished timber revolving doors in a glazed frame. It features original green and cream terrazzo flooring with a black border and black marble skirting, echoed above by a painted peach elliptical border (replacing original Perspex) with aluminium strip edging and plain cornice. To the left of entry, a former store has been converted to a disabled entrance; its counterpart to the right retains its original form with a concave timber door inset with a wire-glazed panel. Ahead lies the original glazed screen to the central lending desk, with original open one-way circulation openings to left and right, articulated by piers with flush green marble capitals. Below this screen is a bronze war memorial affixed to the wall, relocated from its original position in Victory Hall (since demolished). Above is an original dated clock. The glass and aluminium light fittings are replicas of the originals.

Pairs of glazed timber doors lead to the wings. The central section is dominated by the original oak counter, aligned alongside the egress route, with original card index slots and drawers. Partition walls to the wings have glazed openings with oak architraves and sills. Parquet flooring runs throughout. The ceilings, now replaced, are supported on oak-clad piers with recessed green marble capitals. Original rooflights no longer exist. The original children's counter is retained, as are original bookshelves and racks in the main and children's library. Librarian's offices are accessed via an oak door and retain some original features including panelled timber doors and fitted furniture.