New Malden Library

KINGSTON UPON THAMES TQ 26 NW KINGSTON ROAD (south side)

59- /4/10018 New Malden Library

II

Public library. 1939-41 by A R Goldthorp and F C Otton of Malden Borough Council. Brown brick with stone enrichments; roof not visible. The canted entrance block is flanked at right angles by two five-bay ranges. Ground-floor lending library with first floor reference library and lecture room. Entrance set within plain rectangular surround, inscribed PUBLIC LIBRARY. Tall window at first-floor level with balcony on projecting canopy, with ornamental ironwork and incorporating borough arms. Oversailing cornice round entrance block re-emerges to rear behind projecting flanks. These have metal-flamed windows at ground level, and on each side four cast stone relief plaques by T Mewburn Crook of Manchester depicting Philosophy, Religion, Sociology, Philology, Natural Science, Applied Science, Fine Arts, Literature and History. Interior. A considerable amount of original wooden fixtures survive. The reference library and lecture room on the first floor are particularly intact, respectively with good curving desk screens, and stage with satin-wood surround.

Sources: The Builder, 22 August 1941 Borough of Maiden and Coombe, Opening of the New Central Library, brochure, 1941.

Listing NGR: TQ2108268128