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Model British Library JLP01_11_60453_12
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Model British Library JLP01_11_60453_12
BRITISH LIBRARY, EUSTON ROAD, ST PANCRAS, CAMDEN, GREATER LONDON. The British Librarys architect, Colin St. John Wilson and Laing dignitaries admire a scale model of the building at a reception to celebrate its completion.
Those pictured are Martin Laing, Laing Group Chairman, Peter Gregory, Chairman of Laing Management and Tony Atkinhead, Managing Director of Laing Management.
The British Library as an entity was established in 1973 by an act of parliament bringing together various disparate elements including the collections of the British Museum Library, the National Sound Archive and the National Lending Library for Science and Technology. One of the first challenges it faced was to find a building in which all these elements could be brought together. Laing were appointed to manage the construction project by the Property Services Agency and work began at the St. Pancras site in 1984. The building opened to the public in November 1997 and was official opened by the Queen in June 1998. Under previous arrangements a rare book could take 4 days to made available to you but with 25 million items under one roof this had been reduced to as little as 20 minutes. The modernist design by Colin St. John Wilson wasn t widely appreciated at the time but the building was listed at Grade I in 2015 and he was quoted in Construction magazine as saying " the first 20 years are the worst... will have been in and out of fashion 10 times before I ve finished. You have to build a concept and stand by it." The British Library was just an idea for 25 years, took 13 years to build and was designed to last 500 years
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24289837
© Historic England Archive
1990s Construction Library Model People
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of the iconic British Library. The image showcases a reception held to celebrate the completion of the library's construction, with esteemed individuals admiring a scale model of the magnificent building. Among those pictured are Martin Laing, Chairman of Laing Group; Peter Gregory, Chairman of Laing Management; and Tony Atkinhead, Managing Director of Laing Management. Established in 1973 by an act of parliament, the British Library brought together various collections from institutions such as the British Museum Library and National Sound Archive. Finding a suitable location to house these diverse elements was one of its initial challenges. In 1984, work began at St Pancras site under the management of Laing appointed by Property Services Agency. Finally opening its doors to the public in November 1997 and officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in June 1998. The modernist design created by architect Colin St. John Wilson faced mixed reviews initially but has since gained recognition for its architectural significance. In fact, it was listed at Grade I in 2015 due to its importance and cultural value. Wilson himself expressed his belief that true appreciation for his concept would come over time: "the first 20 years are the worst. . . will have been in and out fashion ten times before I've finished". A testament to perseverance and vision, this photograph immortalizes not only a milestone event but also symbolizes how ideas can evolve into enduring legacies that stand strong for centuries to come.
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