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Writer's pictureDave Goble

76 Odd One Out

Updated: Mar 26

Of the three libraries included in A Hundred and One Little Histories, Hampton Wick is unique in that it was not funded by busy benefactor Andrew Carnegie.

 

The first library in the area opened in 1937, housed in the old Urban District Council building / chambers at 45a on the High Street. Built in 1884, it has an art nouveau terracotta front with a Flemish gable, columns, stained glass panels and the medallion of Hampton Wick, the stag and crown.


45a Hampton Wick High Street today


Art historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, (who features in the post on Teddington Library), was typically taciturn, resisting any urge he might have had, (he probably didn’t), to gush, evidently content to remark that “the architect was MJ Landolt”.


Personally I think it's a rather attractive building.

The library remained there for 42 years, before moving into a purpose built building in Bennet Close in 1979, after which the vacated building was converted to offices.

A tad more enthusiastic about the old building than Mr. Pevsner had been, the Hampton Wick Association and architect Richard Pain campaigned to protect it. They lobbied English Heritage for listed status, and in 2013 succeeded in securing an upgrade from townscape merit to Grade II listed due to architectural and historic interest, and its rarity, describing the civic landmark as charming and well detailed.

The group welcomed the news, which means the historical icon’s facade and interior will be saved for future generations. Councillor Tony Arbour said: “This decision is a great triumph for the Hampton Wick Association and local people ... The building represents the proud independence of the Wick and the Grade II listing is a tribute to them... We shall continue to preserve our distinct riverside community.”


More recently, in 2014, planning permission was granted for conversion into four residential units, which completed in 2016.


Back in the days of the “Diddler” (early 1900s, before the building became a library)


An old local press cutting


Red arrow: 45a Hampton Wick High Street

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