Bridport Arts Centre

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 08/09/2011

5191 SY 4692 1/112 28.11.50

SOUTH STREET (East Side) Bridport Arts Centre [formerly listed as Wesleyan Methodist Chapel]

GV II

Designed 1838 (Foundation stone laid 21st March: opened 28th November). Architect: James Wilson FSA, of Belmont, Bath. Builders; Charles and Joseph Galpin of Bridport. Former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. Stucco. Hipped slate roof. 4 giant Doric pilasters taking full entablature and pediment. 2 giant fluted Ionic 3/4 columns in antis flanking central bay. 3 round-arched sashes with glazing bars and moulded surrounds on 1st floor. 2 segment-headed blind panels on ground floor with shouldered moulded surrounds. Double doors with 2 moulded panels and shouldered moulded surround, up flight of 5 steps. "Wesleyan Methodist Chapel" in contemporary lettering on frieze. Interior. Moulded cornice. Shallow segmental barrel vault. Galleries (added in 1855) round 3 sides on 7 iron columns; panelled parapet with anthemia ornament, some fluted muntins with scrolled consoles, modillion cornice. Chancel opening through arch with panelled Composite pilasters, moulded voussoirs and fluted keystone. Below this is a remarkable wooden preaching gallery approached by 1 curved flight of steps on each side: arcuated balustrade, scroll shaped newels with dentilled tops. Gallery taken on 3 arches (2 round, 1 segmental), with panelled square columns, foliate mediaeval capitals, moulded voussoirs, fluted keystones; moulded cornice above, parapet with arcade of square columns taking round arches with moulded voussoirs and imposts, keystones and modillioned cornice.

Nos 3 to 9 (odd), the Bridport Arts Centre, annexe to the Bridport Arts Centre. Nos 11 to 17 (odd) and 17B and 17A form a group with the Greyhound Hotel, East Street.

Listing NGR: SY4662492880