Description

HOVE

TQ2804NW CHURCH ROAD
579-1/16/35 (South side)
No.182
Hove Public Library

GV II

Public Library. 1907, cupola removed 1967. Architects Percy
Robinson and W.Alban Jones of Leeds. Wrenaissance style.
Ashlar Doultine stone, roof covering concealed behind
balustraded parapet.
Plan: flat facade to octagonal hall opening south onto
radiating bays, west through 3-bay arcade to reading room and
east through similar arcade to staircase giving access to
rotunda.
Two storeys, 3-bay main block with lower one bay wing left
(east). The facade is embellished with some fine carving in
low relief. Central open pediment with round-arched opening
carried on Ionic columns, carving in pediment, recessed, tall
round-headed window with fixed lights fronted by wrought-iron
balcony; 3 circular windows on either side divided by carved
fascias, linked above and below by ribbons and garlands,
ground floor 3 square-headed windows flanking entrance under
egg-and-dart moulded entablature with cherubs' heads as
capitals. Carved panel over entrance inscribed Public Library,
flanked by reading cherubs, Ionic columns, recessed entrance
with half-glazed double doors. To the left the service
entrance: 2 small windows first floor, semicircular panel over
entrance carved with cherubs, double doors.
Interior: full of spatial interest, also plasterwork detailing
and moulded compartment ceilings with ornamented shallow dome
to rotunda. The original painted texts advocating economy and
the acquisition of knowledge have been removed. There was also
an open air reading garden on the roof of the library when it
first opened.
The erection of this library was made possible by a donation
from Andrew Carnegie in 1903. Of the many public libraries
erected in the years prior to the First World War, this has
one of the most attractive facades.
(Middleton J: A History of Hove: 1979-).

Listing NGR: TQ2847804787

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Hove Public Library at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q26586132

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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  Suffolk: East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Huddersfield in 50 Buildings
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  Staffordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)
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  Somerset: South and West (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)