The first editions of Nikolaus Pevsner's The Buildings of England were written after a flying visit to the county in question. So it is no surprise to come across a passage like this in the Leicestershire and Rutland volume:One glance in BISHOP STREET at the former LIBERAL CLUB, facing Town Hall Square. it is in the Loire style, but gabled. Brick with stone dressings. By E. Burgess, 1885-8.When I started working in Leicester back in the 1980s I set out to find the Liberal Club. On the basis of my limited architectural knowledge I decided it must be the building above.
I later learned that this club was the hub of Liberal organisation, not just for the city, but also for the Harborough constituency, which contained parts of what are now thought of as Leicester until well into the 20th century.
And I was right. The building above was the Liberal Club. I know this because in the lobby there is a bust of Gladstone and a plaque explaining the building's history.
Everything was locked when I went back there this morning, so this photo shows the Grand Old Man floating like a ghost amongst the reflections.
2 comments:
From the Public Monuments & Sculpture Association Database:
Bust of William Ewart Gladstone
Sculptor: Saul, George H.
Date of design: 1881
Year of unveiling: 1898
Precise Location
Alliance House, No. 6 Bishop Street; in entrance hall
A to Z Ref: 4 D4 (1)
OS Ref: SK588043
Commissioned by: Edwin Clephan
Notes: Portrait bust of Gladstone in his later years, in frock coat, waistcoat, wing-collared shirt and tie. The subject's head is turned slightly to his right, the eyes, which are incised, look straight ahead.
Inscriptions: on two brass plaques fixed to the fron of the drum of the pedestal, in cursive script: (i) upper: The Right Hon: W. E. Gladstone, M.P. / - / Presented to / The Leicester & County Liberal Club / by / Edwin Clephan Esq: J.P. / 1898 (ii) lower: This Building, / formerly known as / "Gladstone Buildings" / was occupied by / The Leicester and County Liberal Club / From 1888 until 1936.
Signatures: at rear on imitation label (with top left corner turned down), in cursive script: G.H. Saul 1881
Many thanks for that, Robert.
I have changed the title of the posting to give the club its full name.
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