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entrance to the public library is in Neate-street, the porch
leading into a top-lighted central hall, where the borrowers'
space faces the vestibule beyond the arch below the dormer gable.
To the right is the newsroom, and to the left the reference
room, with the lending library to the rear-all these departments
being divided by glazed screens. In the basement are stores,
staffroom, lavatory, and w.c accommodation for the librarian's
use. The baths make up a very complete establishment. The features
comprise a first class bath 75ft long, 30 ft wide and 6ft 9ins
deep; a second class bath 65ft long, 30ft wide, and 6ft 6ins
deep at the deepest end, 50 slipper baths, and other similar
adjuncts. An office placed in a central position enables the
ticket clerk to serve all our departments, as well as the laundry.The
washhouse accommodates thirty places, and to the front are the
mangling room, bonnet room, mess room, and other conveniences.
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Mr H L Holloway, of Union Works, Deptford, is the general contractor.
The elevations are in red brick, with Portland stone and Hopton
Wood stone dressings. Glazed brick is extensively used inside,
and Brosely tiles for the roofs. Norwegian granite is utilised
for the baths entrance. Messrs Beham & Sons did the engineering
work, and Messrs Coules & Sons are responsible for the wrought
iron work and fence, which is a rather fine piece of work, and
executed to Mr Maurice Adam's large details. Messrs Gunthorpe
& Horsman, of Camberwell New Road, were entrusted with the
carving , and the leaded glass was executed by Messrs Aldam,
Heaton & Co. The metal casements were supplied by Burt &
Potts; the baths by Messrs Doulton & Co, and the valves
by Messrs Jennings, of Lamberth. |
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total cost of the block of buildings will be about £24,000.
It should be stated Mr Adams has been associated with the work
of construction with Mr William Oxotoby, AMICE, the Borough
Engineer. |
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arrangements have yet been made for the formal opening of the
building, but it is expected that the ceremony will take place
sometime next month. Meanwhile, the Borough Council is advertising
for tenders for the erection of further baths and washhouses
in Old Kent Road in accordance with plans prepared by Mr E Harding
Payne, ARIBA, the architect. When this institution has been
erected, Camberwell will be as well supplied with baths as any
district in London. |
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