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Description: Brighouse Library and Smith Art Gallery

Address: Brighouse Library And Smith Art Gallery Halifax Road Brighouse Calderdale HD6 2AF

Grade: II

Group detail: Halifax Road

Full description:
Formerly known as the Rydings. Public library and art gallery, part of which was originally a house c.1840 for John Brooke (a local corn miller). Dressed stone slate roof. Classical west front of 3 symmetrical bays. Rusticated quoins, cornice and blocking course. Doorway has large monolithic jambs, imposts and semi-circular arched head with 4 paned fan light, flanked by double pilasers and protected by porch supported on double columns set upon a plinth, square on section to the outer, the inner having Corinthian capitals. Full entablature. To either side are large 8 paned sash windows with lugged architrave, blocking course and cornice. Over are windows with similar surrounds but with projecting sills on consoles. Right hand return wall of 7 widely spaced bays A B B A B B A. The outer and middle bays break forward are quoined and have large triple windows contained in spacious bow window to ground floor. Balconies of heavy cast iron on them. All other windows of similar character to west front. Hipped roof. Attached is early C20 extension forming purpose built art gallery. Interior: Entrance hall has imposing stair with decorative cast iron balustrading with central well supported to either side by Tuscan columns with full entablature, galleried on 3 sides. Overall is domed cupola. 1st floor reading room preserves remarkable carved oak panelling by native born craftsman H. P. Jackson (1867-1931) furnishings also include canopied settle, carved armchairs and overmantel. D. Nortcliffe, Buildings of Brighouse, (Brighouse-1978), p.30. N. Pevsner, Yorkshire West Riding, (1967), p.147.