South Shields, Ocean Road, Museum and Art Gallery

HER Number:
8084

District:
S Tyneside

Site Name:
South Shields, Ocean Road, Museum and Art Gallery

Place:
South Shields

Map Sheet:
NZ36NE

Class:
Recreational

Site Type: Broad:
Art and Education Venue

Site Type: Specific:
Museum

General Period:
Early Modern

Specific Period:
C19

Form of Evidence:
Extant Building

Description:
1858-60. Former Public Library and Museum. John Wardle, architect. Buff coloured brick, stone dressings, flat roof. Two storeys and basement. Three bays, the centre one of which breaks forward and has rusticated quoins. Designed in a somewhat coarse "Italianate" quatrocento style. The extremities marked by giant pilasters, the facade crowned by a heavy, bracketed stone cornice. The central entrances contained within a semi-circular arched opening divided by a central square column supporting the crown of the arch. Each outer bay lit by 4 segmental headed windows with plain architraves. Over the windows a heavy floor band. First floor lit by 3 grand semi-circular headed openings with continuous cill. Each divided by a central shaft into 2 semi-circular headed lights with the tympanum pierced by a small circular light. Continuous impost band. Rusticated jambs to main openings. Large keystones abut the eaves cornice. Originally built for the Mechanics' Institute, becoming the Public Library in 1873. The museum added in 1876. The Library moved to new premises in 1976. Cleaned and restored 1978-79. LISTED GRADE 2

Easting:
3646

Northing:
6726

Grid Reference:
NZ36466726

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
Department of National Heritage, List of Buildings of Special architectural or Historic Interest, 4/51