The New Bodleian Library Conservation Plan - Central ...

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Following the end of the War, the library was officially opened by King George VI ina ceremony held in October 1946. Since that time the only major alteration to thebuilding has been the addition of the Indian Institute as a south-facing roof extensionin 1966-69 by architect Robert Potter. Otherwise, the New Bodleian has remainedrelatively unchanged until 2010, with only relatively minor alterations, such assubdivision of some of the offices and the updating of some of the fixtures and fitting.The Clarendon Building became the Bodleian’s administrative centre in 1975,bringing the whole of the Bodleian complex closer together.The New Bodleian Library is described as being, ‘an experiment in working a newlibrary building into an old historic framework.’ 1 This is clear in the way that variableinfluences considered by Gilbert-Scott combine to create a unique style which is anArt Deco/Art Moderne take on Classical Revivalism. The use of materials, styles,architectural features, and design elements form a modern building in keeping withthe style of its time, though touched rather heavily by the inspiration of surroundingbuildings ranging from mediaeval timber frames to the ornate Classical Revivalism ofthe Sheldonian Theatre and Clarendon Building: ‘The elevations are designed withdue respect to the traditions that produced the surrounding old buildings, but noattempt has been made to ignore modern tendencies.’ 2Figure 4. Original exterior drawing of the New BodleianFollowing an extensive series of consultations (beginning formally in 2007), newalterations were started in autumn 2010. These will dramatically change the layout ofthe ground floor of the New Bodleian, replacing the central stacks and south perimeteroffices with a new publically-accessible area including a café, and exhibition andevents space. This will be connected to Broad Street, where sections of the southernelevation between the external pilasters will be removed and a glazed wall insertedinside the building to provide an arcaded primary entrance. The entire structure of thecentral stack will be replaced with one compliant with modern building safetyregulations and more suited to its purpose.1 Edmund Craster, The Bodleian Library Extension Scheme, 1941.2 The Architect and Building News, 30 August 1940.New Bodleian LibraryConservation Plan, April 201212
3 Significance of the New Bodleian LibraryNPPF paragraph 128 specifies that in assessing planning applications:‘Local planning authorities should require an applicant to provide a description ofthe significance of any heritage assets affected including any contribution made bytheir setting.’The significance of the New Bodleian Library has been publically recognised by twostatutory designations: It was designated a Grade II Listed building in 2003 (seeAppendix 1); and it was included in Oxford City Council’s designation of the Central(City and University) Conservation Area in 1971, and in its subsequent revisions in1974, 1981, 1985, and 1998 (see Appendix 2).3.1 Significance as part of the city centre, Broad Street, and the Central (City andUniversity) Conservation AreaAs mentioned above (Section 2.1) Broad Street East forms the monumental core ofthe city of Oxford, and is the city’s major civic meeting space. Oxford is one of themost visited places in the UK, and Broad Street is the focus for the visitor’sexperience. It is one of the most renowned and beautiful streets in Europe, with anarchitectural and cultural heritage that deserves World Status.The New Bodleian dominates the northern edge of this area, its heavy, rusticatedstone matching the gravitas of the more-venerable buildings to the south despite itsyouth. The New Bodleian is significant as a major contributing factor to the drama ofthis space, which is so integral to the significance of the Central (City and University)Conservation Area as a whole.The 2010 alterations will further integrate the New Bodleian with Broad Street Eastby replacing the wedge-shaped plinth along its southern elevation, which is currentlysimply “dead space”, with an extension of the pavement leading into the new glassfrontedcolonnade and entrance. This will create the feel of a piazza, encouragingpublic interaction with, and enjoyment of, the space. The opening up of the southfaçade, extending a managed public realm into the building, is of key importancewithin the context of the relationship between the New Bodleian and Broad Street,and ultimately between the University and the City. This will improve the setting ofthe eastern end of Broad Street, and add to the New Bodleian’s significance as amajor constituent element of one of Europe’s finest public spaces.New Bodleian LibraryConservation Plan, April 201213
Page 4: 6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 377 APPENDICES 39App
Page 9 and 10: 2 Understanding the Site2.1 History
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Page 39 and 40: 7 APPENDICESAppendix 1: Listed Buil
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Page 49 and 50: Appendix 4CHECKLIST OF SIGNIFICANT
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