Ocean Road, Museum and Art Gallery

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