Synagogue

Synagogue on Wilson Road, Sheffield, dated 1929-30 and designed by Mansell Jenkinson. The building is constructed in brick with reconstituted stone dressings (some painted) and slate roofs, executed in a Stripped Classical style with a cross plan.

The exterior rises to 2 storeys plus basement across 5 bays. The north entrance front features a projecting central feature flanked by two pairs of side pilasters, with an entablature containing triglyphs and breaks, a stepped blocking course, and a plain gable topped with a star. The recessed central bay contains a semicircular Doric portico bearing a Hebrew inscription on the frieze and sheltering a pair of panelled doors with flanking margin-glazed windows. Above this are four square windows on each floor, divided by brick pilasters. The side bays, flanked by pilasters, have two-light mullioned windows on each floor with framed panels between floors and wreaths above. Beyond these, lower side bays have round-arched first floor windows with elongated keystones, with two-light brick mullion windows below.

The left return presents a projecting central feature of similar design, with panelled brick corner pilasters and concrete inner pilasters. It has four windows on each floor divided by brick pilasters and horizontal diaper-work panels. On either side are recessed bays with two tall round-arched windows divided horizontally by diaper-work panels. Slightly lower projecting bays flank these, with the right bay containing two tall round-arched panels with elongated keystones, each housing two two-light windows on each floor. The left bay towards the rear has similar, plainer fenestration and three basement windows. The right return is simpler, with a projecting central gable flanked by clasping buttresses, two two-light windows below, and a four-light window above, together with two round-arched basement openings. Flanking bays have two windows on each floor, while projecting outer bays contain two two-light flat-headed windows on each floor.

The rear elevation includes a canted projection to the basement with a door and overlight. Above are two plain first floor windows and a splayed recess containing a shallow three-light bow window with hipped roof, with two further windows on either side. The basement is lit by a tall five-light window with shorter central light, flanked by recessed double doors with overlights.

The interior contains a shallow plastered groin vault with ribs and three chandeliers. At the front, a splayed recess leads to semicircular stone steps and marble wall panels, with a central polished granite Ark featuring a shallow gable and Hebrew inscription. Flanking the Ark are rabbis' seats enclosed by railings. Above these is an ornamented choir gallery set beneath an elliptical arch and half-dome, flanked by round-arched panels with pilasters. Bow-fronted panelled galleries with rosettes line three sides, with square corner piers, while the rear contains two half-glazed doors and the gallery level has two similar splayed double doors.

Fittings include panelled hardwood benches, a freestanding semicircular pulpit with bronze railing, a square central bimah with wrought-iron railing and corner lamps, and a president's pew positioned at the front. The basement prayer room retains engraved and stained glass memorial windows, a reading desk, a curtained book cabinet with fitted benches, and two inscribed tablets dated 1877.