Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Building the British Library
Clock tower JLP01_10_56690
Filename: jlp01_10_56690.jpg
Size: 5332 x 6758 (10.1MB)
Date: 20th January 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Clock tower JLP01_10_56690
BRITISH LIBRARY, EUSTON ROAD, ST PANCRAS, CAMDEN, GREATER LONDON. A view of the British Library, looking up at the clock tower from the front courtyard during the later stages of construction to the exterior.
Laing Management Contracting were appointed by The Property Services Agency to build the complex at the British Library and construction began in July 1984. In the end the project had a budget of £ 496 million and was completed in November 1995. The British Library opened to the public in November 1997 and was officially opened by the Queen in June 1998. The site brought together a collection housed across various sites and cut the wait for a book from a possible 4 days down to 20 minutes. The design by the modernist architect Colin St. John Wilson was not widely appreciated at the time but the building was listed at Grade I in 2015. The complex of buildings includes a large entrance hall, humanities and science reading rooms, a theatre, lecture halls and administration offices and 5 levels of storage basements
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24289829
© Historic England Archive
1990s Brick Concrete Construction Library Steel
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the iconic clock tower of the British Library during its construction phase. Taken from the front courtyard, the image showcases the grandeur and scale of this architectural marvel in Greater London. The project to build the British Library was entrusted to Laing Management Contracting by The Property Services Agency in July 1984. With a staggering budget of £496 million, construction continued for over a decade until its completion in November 1995. Two years later, in November 1997, this magnificent institution opened its doors to the public and was officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in June 1998. Designed by modernist architect Colin St. John Wilson, who faced initial criticism for his unconventional approach, this Grade I listed building has since become an integral part of London's skyline. The library brought together various collections previously scattered across different sites and revolutionized access to knowledge with reduced waiting times for books. The complex comprises not only the impressive clock tower but also features a spacious entrance hall, humanities and science reading rooms, lecture halls, administration offices, and five levels of storage basements. This photograph serves as a testament to both the historical significance and architectural brilliance embodied within these walls. Photo credit: A© Historic England Archive
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