Highgate Branch Library And Attached Railings, Piers And Lamp Holders

Highgate Branch Library, built in 1906 by William Nisbet Blair, is located on Chester Road in Camden. This library features a single storey with an attic over the central bay and is designed in a symmetrical layout with three bays. The central bay includes a distyle-in-antis arcaded stone loggia supported by Corinthian capitals and terracotta keystones. It is flanked by brick pilasters that hold up a dentil pediment, which features a Diocletian window with a terracotta architrave and keystone. Above the arcading, there is a plaque inscribed "Highgate Branch Library." All windows are fitted with glazing bars, and the central round-arched window is flanked by entrances, each with a pedimented terracotta doorcase and panelled double doors. The identical flanking bays repeat the arcading in brick, with terracotta keystones and three windows each. Above the arcading, there are terracotta balustrades with brick dies topped by terracotta urn finials.

Inside, the library has a very simple design, retaining original bookcases that have been shortened. The building is complemented by attached cast and wrought-iron railings leading to areas with brick piers that feature elaborate wrought-iron lamp-holders flanking the entrance steps. There are also cast and wrought-iron forecourt railings on a low brick sleeper wall, with central gates in a similar style and brick piers topped with stone caps and balls.

Historically, Highgate was the first branch library built in the borough, resolving a long-standing dispute between ratepayers and the Borough Council. In 1904, the Council acquired the site from Mr. Burdett-Coutts, with most of the funding provided by the Duke of Bedford. The library's construction cost of £4,000 was covered by a £40,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie, who funded 118 libraries across Great Britain.