Keele University Chapel

Keele University Chapel is a multi-denominational university chapel constructed between 1964 and 1965 by G.G. Pace. The building is made from blue vitrified engineering bricks, with a slated pitched roof and two copper-covered pyramidal roof lights to paired towers, and two copper-covered dormers. It is rectangular in shape with paired apses at one end and a gallery along one side, accompanied by vestries and an entrance below. The main space is designed to be flexible, with movable furniture and a hydraulic screen that can be lowered to create two smaller areas. One apse is dedicated to Roman Catholic worship, while the other serves Anglicans and Non-conformists.

The exterior is dominated by the paired apses, which form a pair of towers, each featuring panels of vertical strip windows with square-headed lights of varying lengths, separated by brick tracery. The flanks and asymmetrical gable end have irregularly patterned windows, and the windows are rectangular and leaded. A square-headed entrance on a flank has a concrete beam above it and contains recessed double timber doors. Projecting concrete gutter spouts are present, with three on each flank.

Inside, the chapel features exposed pink brick and unpainted board-marked concrete. It has a 'Y' shaped laminated timber structure, including uprights and trusses to support the timber roof, with some sections incorporating white acoustic tiles for a decorative contrast to the timber panels. A patterned brick screen within an exposed, unpainted board-marked concrete frame divides the space up to the roof, and a hydraulic screen of rust-stained timber, adorned with a cross motif, can be lowered to complete this separation. Two smaller, similar screens can also be lowered to close off the apses. Below the gallery is a brick and concrete wall with vertical windows. A broad, light timber handrail/bookrest sits on a chunky concrete balustrade. A concrete pulpit of organic form is attached to the left of the screen wall. The limed timber altar, lectern, priest's chairs, benches, and other furnishings within the chapels are also part of Pace’s original design, as are the pendant light fittings in black-painted metal. The floor is laid with panels of parquet and polished concrete flags. The chapel is noted for being liturgically unusual as a multi-denominational place of worship of its period, demonstrating the quality of Pace's work.