Central Library

The Central Library and municipal Art Gallery in Sheffield was built in 1934 and designed by W G Davies, the Sheffield City Architect. This building features a steel frame with Portland stone cladding and consists of two storeys and a deep basement. It is designed in a classical style, with a rusticated basement and a giant order that spans the first and second floors. The art gallery on the third floor is not visible, as it is concealed by a deep blind parapet.

The facade on Surrey Street has a central doorway with a finely carved stone door surround that is topped with the city's coat-of-arms. The double panelled doors are accessed via a flight of five stone steps. On either side of the basement, there are three small windows with fine bronzed grills. The doorway is flanked on the upper floor by three windows, and above that, there are seven windows, both levels articulated by six giant Ionic pilasters. The slightly projecting pavilions at either end of the facade are simpler, featuring basic window surrounds.

The canted corner facing Tudor Square has similar window surrounds and includes a balcony at the first-floor level, with a large carved relief sculpture above in the parapet. The main Tudor Square facade also has a rusticated basement with four windows and a small doorway. Above this, there is a seven-window facade with slightly projecting single window pavilions at either end. The windows are linked vertically with simple surrounds and linking moulded panels.

Inside, the library retains most of its original features, including coffered ceilings, doorcases, doors, and many original bookcases. The foyer and staircase maintain all their original elements, such as marble columns, marble walls, coffered ceilings, and light fittings. The galleries on the upper floors also preserve similar architectural detailing.