Description

BRIGHOUSE HALIFAX ROAD
SE 12 SW
3/98 Brighouse Library and
Smith Art Gallery

G.V. II
Formerly known as the Rydings. Public library and art gallery, part of which
was originally a house c.1840 for John Brooke (a local corn miller). Dressed
stone slate roof. Classical west front of 3 symmetrical bays. Rusticated
quoins, cornice and blocking course. Doorway has large monolithic jambs,
imposts and semi-circular arched-head with 4 paned fan light, flanked by double
pilasters and protected by porch supported on double columns set upon a plinth,
square on section to the outer, the inner having Corinthian capitals. Full
entablature. To either side are large 8 paned sash windows with lugged
architrave, blocking course and cornice. Over are windows with similar
surrounds but with projecting sills on consoles. Right hand return wall of 7
widely spaced bays A B B A B B A. The outer and middle bays break forward are
quoined and have large triple windows contained in spacious bow window to ground
floor. Balconies of heavy cast iron on them. All other windows of similar
character to west front. Hipped roof. Attached is early C20 extension forming
purpose built art gallery.

Interior: Entrance hall has imposing stair with decorative cast iron
balustrading with central well supported to either side by Tuscan columns with
full entablature, galleried on 3 sides. Overall is domed cupola. 1st floor
reading room preserves remarkable carved oak panelling by native born craftsman
H. P. Jackson (1867 - 1931) furnishings also include canopied settle, carved
armchairs and overmantel. D. Nortcliffe, Buildings of Brighouse, (Brighouse,
1978), p.30. N. Pevsner, Yorkshire West Riding, (1967), p.147.

Listing NGR: SE1422423080

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Brighouse Library And Smith Art Gallery official website
• Wikidata Q26479236

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  This Old House: Restoring, Rehabilitating, and Renovating an Older House
• 
  Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
• 
  A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
• 
  Lancashire: Manchester and the South-East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  London 4: North: North v. 4 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas