College Of Further Education Annexe Including Front Railings And Piers

College of Further Education Annexe including Front Railings and Piers

A technical school with attached front railings, now used as a college annexe, built between 1900 and 1903. Designed by Woodhouse and Willoughby for Barrow Corporation, with W Gradwell and Co as contractor. The foundation stone was laid on 26 May 1900, and the building was formally opened on 25 August 1903.

The building is constructed in red brick with buff terracotta banding and dressings, topped by a graduated slate roof. The composition is asymmetrical, with a central block breaking forward, flanked by reflected pairs of two-storey side wings. A four-stage tower rises from the right of the centre.

The central section features a two-storey gable and attic on the left. The main entrance stands on the right, marked by a Gibbs surround beneath a cartouche inscribed 'TECHNICAL SCHOOL'. This is flanked by Ionic columns on plinths that support large brackets leading to a segmentally-arched cornice. To the left of the entrance, the ground floor has a moulded plinth with a foundation stone and four casements in shouldered architraves, linked by banding and finished with double keystones and a continuous cornice. The first floor contains a corbelled, balustraded balcony beneath a large central window of three lights with two transoms, stained glass, and a keyed elliptical arch. Flanking this are Ionic pilasters with strapwork and cross-windows with balustraded aprons. The tower to the right has spaced terracotta quoins and a transomed window. An entablature above the three-light window features a continuous cornice.

The attic storey is particularly ornate. The terracotta gable on the left contains a four-light mullioned window flanked by pilasters and scrolled supporters. A semi-octagonal turret with an obelisk finial rises from the left, while a dentilled cornice sits beneath a round-arched pediment containing the Borough Arms in its tympanum. Banded and corniced stacks run along the ridge at the rear. The third stage of the tower on the right features banded diagonal pilasters set on cartouches, a three-light mullioned window recessed beneath a keyed elliptical arch, and a cornice. The top stage carries corner pedestals topped with obelisks, supporting an octagonal cupola with round-arched openings within an Ionic colonnade and a rounded dome with scroll finials.

The left side wing has offset buttresses between bays and a sill band. Its mullioned and transomed windows feature casements with glazing bars and lintels with arched panels. The central windows have a wider, round-arched middle light. On the first floor, terracotta bands replace windows. The outer buttresses end in scrolls, while the central two rise as Ionic pilasters flanking a terracotta panel set on a Lombard frieze with shells. This panel depicts The Arts, showing six robed females (one enthroned) with the motto 'ARS LONGA VITA BREVIS'. A terracotta entablature with modillioned cornice sits above, with '1901' marked on the rain-water heads. Above the panel is a round-arched gable with a cartouche and obelisks. A continuous skylight runs across, and a coped gable on the left has scrolled kneelers and an arched apex, with terracotta ridges.

The right side wing is similar in design. Its panel depicts aspects of technology and bears the motto 'Labor Omnia Vincit'. It lacks the gable above and has no skylights.

On the left return, the broad gable of the side wing is followed by a one-storey block set forward on the left, featuring a terracotta doorway marked 'STUDENTS ENTRANCE'.

The interior reveals considerable decorative detail. The entrance lobby has a mosaic floor and terracotta friezes with cartouches, drapes, and C-scrolls. Ornate double doors with panels sit below arched lights with cornices. The stairhall features glazed brick and arcading, with a stone staircase and wrought-iron balustrade. A plaque on the landing records the opening date of 25 August 1903.

The front railings are an integral part of the design. Each pier has a plinth, bands, cornice, and an obelisk on scrolled supports. The iron railings feature square bars and twin top rails. An extra panel extends beyond the right side wing, with railings returning to face Bath Street on the left.