Description

This List entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 19/01/2018

SJ 38 NE,
392-/7/10009

CHATHAM STREET, L7,
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL,
The Chatham Building

(Formerly listed as: Communication Studies and T.V./Audio Unit University of Liverpool)

II

University Communications Studies Studios and Offices when surveyed, formerly
Welsh Presbyterian Chapel. 1861, Oliver and Lamb, with C20
alterations. Ashlar limestone and red brick, with ashlar
dressings beneath a Welsh slated roof.

West entrance front of two
storeys above a basement, five bays, 1:3:1, the bays defined by
giant composite pilasters. Central three bays advanced beneath
a pediment define a three door entrance, approached by lateral
flights of six steps, set behind low flanking wall ramped at
ends, and incorporating intermediate and end piers which rise
above brickwork walling to support metal railings. Triple semi-
circular arched doorways between pilasters, the central opening
wider than flanking secondary doorways, all with panelled double
doors, those to centre with carved decoration to base panels,
those to centre of north side doors glazed. Outer bays have semi-
circular arched window openings with glazing bar sashes without
horns. All arched heads to ground floor have attenuated keystones
rising from moulded arch surrounds to link with a deep, moulded
storey band, which deviates as a segmental arch above principal
doorway. Above, the semi-circular headed principal first floor
window is accommodated within the pediment base by a similar
indent. This window, with margin-glazed sashes, is flanked by
semi-circular arched window openings, with glazing bar sashes.
Above, a frieze and boldly projecting cornice supports a shallow
brick parapet, with plain ashlar intermediate and end piers. The
second and fourth piers surmounted by decorative finials. Above
the central pediment is set an open bell-cote, itself topped by
a miniature pediment. South side elevation of seven bays, that
to the west end the return bay of the entrance front, defined by
pilasters and a parapet. Within this bay, a single storey semi-
circular stair turret beneath a half dome roof, with basement
doorway, two first floor narrow glazing bar sash windows. Ashlar
window and eaves bands, both moulded. Remaining six bays with
stacked glazing bar sash windows, and two plain pilasters giving
an arrangement of 2:3:2 keys. Basement window beneath a plain
lintel band, ground floor openings beneath shallow band with
segmental indents to window heads, and semi-circular gallery
windows with keystones linked to parapet cornice flight of steps
to basement doorway defined by railings, and rear doorway with
massive lintel integral keystone and hood mould. North side wall
identical, but without doorways.

INTERIOR: Entrance vestibule
with tripartite window with semicircular headed lights with
glazing bars and margin glazing. Arched flanking doorways lead
to meeting hall, and to staircases serving gallery and basement.
Staircases have elaborate newel posts with carved finials and two
bobbin balusters per tread. Ground floor arcades now infilled by
C20 partitions, but arcade columns with volute capitals remain
visible, and support gallery columns and panelled and embellished
gallery frontage. Gallery arcades with tall semicircular arches
supported by slender columns with Composite capitals. Shallow
vaulted roof to nave, the junction of the roof and arcades
defined by projecting cornice. Gallery tiers remain, but benches
have been removed.

Listing NGR: SJ3600589860

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26552899

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

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  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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