Sheffield Central Library

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Sheffield Central Library

Building Information
Location Sheffield
Country Flag of England England
Client Sheffield Corporation
Completion Date 1934

Sheffield Central Library and Graves Art Gallery is a public library in Sheffield. It houses the city library service's single largest general lending and reference collection, as well as hosting an art gallery on the third floor, and a theatre in the basement.

Services available from the building include:

  • Arts, Social Science and Sports Library
  • Business, Science and Technology Library
  • Central Childrens Library
  • Local Studies Library
  • Music and Video Library
  • Sheffield Information Service
  • Sports Library
  • World Metal Index
  • Graves Art Gallery
  • Library Theatre

Work on the building began in 1929, to a design by W. G. Davies. Built in a broadly art-deco style, it was opened in 1934 by the Duchess of York. Conceived as part of a plan by Patrick Abercrombie to create a civic square, it was the only element ever built and so faces onto a narrow street. In 1991, Tudor Square was constructed to one side of the library.

The building, supported by a steel frame, is faced with Portland stone and has some decorative mouldings by Alfred and William Tory.

The Graves Art Gallery was founded around a bequest from J. G. Graves and hosts a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions.

[edit] References

  • Ruth Harman and John Minnis, Sheffield (Pevsner Architectural Guides)

[edit] External links