John Passmore Edwards
Passmore Edwards Free Library, Hoxton
English Opera Company - page 2
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"During
the nine years that ENO has occupied the building, hundreds of people
of all ages and from all backgrounds from Hackney and across the
London boroughs have benefited from the building."
"We have adapted the studios to suit our needs and, with rehearsal space being at such a premium in London, we have indeed been fortunate to have the use of this flexible,multi-purpose space. The building has a friendly feel about it and some days when the full 80-piece orchestra are in full-flow downstairs together with a workshop going on upstairs, the building is full of creative energy and wonderful music." |
| "Much of the original library features still exist and, of particular interest, is the foyer with its library inscription, staircase and first floor landing with its marble floors and pillars. A bust of Charles Bradlaugh, a rather radical and controversial figure with local connections, sits on the first floor landing. I particularly like the maxim engraved on the plinth in his memory which simply says 'thorough' in inverted commas. A man after my own heart. Also of interest is the view from the first floor studio window where the brown tiled wall from the old public baths or washhouse, which used to be adjacent to the library can clearly be seen. The baths were badly damaged during the last war as was, we understand, the Pitfield St. library". |
| In
2003 the ENO were informed that Hackney Council had sold the building,
placed as it is in a prime site behind Hoxton Square. In July 2003, Hackney Council granted planning approval for internal and external alterations to the library building, including new windows and roof alterations, to facilitate conversion to mixed commercial and residential use |
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© Dean Evans 2004
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January 22, 2005
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