We are delighted to announce the successful completion of the conservation and repair works at the Grade I listed Gladstone Library, the UK’s only Prime Ministerial library.
Working closely with the Client, the Conservation Officer and the wider project team, the scheme has delivered a comprehensive programme of repairs to safeguard the historic fabric of the building while ensuring it remains fit for future generations. Works have included the repair and renewal of the slate and flat roofs, restoration of the cupola, stabilisation of the entrance tower porch and foundations, repair of the existing masonry, and the conservation of historic windows and cast iron rainwater goods. Replacement windows and rooflights have also been introduced where appropriate, incorporating discreet thermal improvements whilst respecting the building’s architectural significance.
Throughout the project, conservation principles have remained at the forefront of the design. Original materials have been retained and reused wherever possible, with salvaged roof slates relaid to match their original random diminished coursing, historic masonry carefully repaired, and traditional details preserved and restored. Specialist ground stabilisation techniques were employed to address historic foundation movement, avoiding the need for invasive underpinning and minimising intervention to the building’s historic fabric.
As is often the case when working with historic structures, additional repairs have been identified during the course of the works, those required to the Cupola supported by the generous donations of those responding to the Library’s “Save the Roof – Protect the Books” campaign, those to the large flat roof supported by the generosity of the contractor, Grosvenor Construction.
It has been a privilege to contribute to the preservation of one of Britain’s most significant historic libraries, ensuring this remarkable building continues to serve scholars, visitors and future generations for many years to come.
