Listing Text

SOUTHWARK

TQ3379 SPA ROAD
636-1/5/716 (North West side)
Bermondsey Public Library and
attached railings and piers

II

Public library. Dated 1890-91. By John Johnson, architect. F
and H Higgs, builders. Brick in Flemish bond with terracotta
and stone trim. Slate roofs, hipped over end ranges and
mansard over the centre.
EXTERIOR: 2 storeys and attic over basement. 5-window range.
Elliptical-arched entrance in centre, doors of original
design, the whole set under a porch supported by rusticated,
coupled Ionic columns; similar Ionic pilasters continue across
the ground floor framing 2-light, flat-arched windows with
stone surrounds and mullions.
To the right a single-storey wing, stone courses alternating
with brick and a plaque bearing inaugural inscription.
Flat-arched windows to return. A spandrel band below
ground-floor windows ornamented with a bull's eye. Second
entrance to left-hand range. First-floor windows have 2 lights
and flat arches, as below, but are set in a round-arched
arcade, the piers ornamented by an acanthus-leaf springing
band; tympana ornamented with floral spray; arches turn in
brick and stone voussoirs, the keystones historiated. Arcading
continues on the right return.
The rhythm of windows doubles in the attic storey, all are
elliptical arches with springing band and polychromed arches
similar to 1st-floor arcade. Centre pair of windows has
balcony enclosed by cast-iron railing. Entablature with
garland frieze in terracotta. Segmental pediment to centre
range, in parapet, and above a Dutch gable with urns and
finials.
INTERIOR: not inspected.
SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: walls, piers and railings to entrance and
areas. Also included is the pair of stone piers with hipped
capstones leading to what was, formerly, an alley along the
right return.
(The South London Press, 23 January 1892).

Listing NGR: TQ3375079186