Wallsend Library Listed At Grade II

We are delighted that Wallsend library has been listed at Grade II following an application by the Society.

Wallsend library is a major work by a practice internationally renowned for its library buildings, designed by Harry Faulkner-Brown of Williamson, Faulkner Brown and Partners in 1966. The Twentieth Century Society proposed the building for listing at grade II as a unique example of detailed library design and planning of the period, and the first of Harry Faulkner-Brown’s designs to fully embody his “10 commandments”: principles that established him as the forerunner of modern architectural design for libraries. It remains intact in its original plan form with many original fixtures and fittings. It is of huge importance as a fundamental exemplar of twentieth century library planning. Our application was precipitated by the closure and proposed demolition of the building, following re-location of the library functions to the Forum shopping centre.

The library has been listed for its pioneering modular design and architectural interest; the architectural pedigree of Harry Faulkner Brown as an influential architect in the field of library design; for its historic interest, being at the vanguard of a new post-war approach to library planning; interior interest; and the intactness of its fixtures and fittings, with particular reference to the original sculpture of a Roman head by Murray McCheyne in the courtyard garden.

Clare Price