University College (University of London) and attached railings to north and south wings

University College (University of London) and attached railings to north and south wings

This Grade I listed college building on Gower Street comprises a complex of structures in Neo-Grecian style arranged around a quadrangle, constructed over more than a century.

The central block was built circa 1827–29 by W Wilkins and J.P Gandy-Deering. It features a striking decastyle Corinthian pedimented portico on a high podium, approached by Imperial steps with solid stone balustrade and piers. Behind the pediment sits an enriched copper dome with a blind stone lantern, which crowns the Flaxman Gallery. The main facade comprises 22 bays with rusticated stonework at ground floor level and pilasters rising from the first floor, carrying an entablature. The windows are architraved sashes with cornices. An attic storey contains rectangular, small-paned windows in groups of three.

The Flaxman Gallery and Library (circa 1848) was designed by T.L Donaldson. The space below the dome was remodelled to house plaster originals of Flaxman's sculptures. The library block is constructed in three storeys of brick with a stone arcade of paired columns at ground floor level. A stone band runs at first floor level. Large arcaded windows with stone impost bands light the upper storeys. The second floor is stepped back, featuring a partly blind arcade with only the arched heads glazed. Enriched stone roundels decorate the spandrels, and a stone-capped parapet crowns the structure.

The south wing (circa 1869–76) and north wing (circa 1870–1881) were both designed by T. Hayter Lewis. Each contains 13 bays, with the centre bays forming projecting semi-rotundas with Corinthian columns rising from the first floor to carry an entablature and parapet. One bay either side of these features also projects. The first floor is articulated with pilasters between architraved sash windows with console-bracketed cornices and sill strings. The ground floor is rusticated with architraved sashes and cornices. Architraved entrances in the centre of the semi-rotundas have console-bracketed cornices, fanlights and panelled doors. An enriched frieze runs at first floor level.

The north-west wing (1912–13) by F.M Simpson and south-west wing (circa 1923) by A.E Richardson each contain 11 bays in similar style but without rotundas. End bays project at the quadrangle entrance with three window returns and similar facades to Gower Street.

The south junction block and north junction block were added in 1950 and 1951 respectively, with the Physics Building constructed 1950–52, all designed by A.E Richardson and E.A.S Houfe.

All interiors retain their original features. Cast-iron railings and stone piers are attached to the basement areas of the wings.

The college was founded to provide university education without religious bias and was the first college of London University. Jeremy Bentham, the philosopher and reformer, bequeathed his body to the college upon his death in 1832; his dressed skeleton is housed in a cupboard within the building. The college also holds a significant collection of neo-Classical sculpture by Flaxman and a collection of pictures.