Central Library Manchester, UK

Central Library Manchester is a wonderfully assured piece of early C20th classicism. Influenced by the Pantheon it was built by Vincent Harris (1876-1971) between 1930 -34. As a part of his research for the project Harris visited the USA to see the latest library designs. The image above is taken from the inside of the grand five bay portico of Corinthian Columns. It is a visual anchor point to one of the main southern entrances into Manchester and also provides a classical antithesis to the Gothic Town Hall behind. Interestingly, Harris also designed the original furniture inside. I wonder if this extends to the beautiful Adolf Loosesque squeaky arch armed chairs in the reference library?

I have just added Centre Library to my Mapping Manchester Wayfarer Map

More images by Andy Marshall of Central Library Manchester