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Mechanics Institute Reading Room, c1930s

Mechanics Institute Reading Room, c1930s


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Mechanics Institute Reading Room, c1930s

This Reading Room was located in the new 1891-93 extension. It provided daily newspapers and journals to read on site. The Institute provided a library, theatre and games rooms for GWR employees and their families. It was built in 1854 and stood in the heart of the Railway Village

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

Media ID 510582

© STEAM Picture Library 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Library Mechanic Swindon Village


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the 1930s, offering a glimpse into the bustling Mechanics Institute Reading Room. Nestled within the heart of Swindon's Railway Village, this reading room was an integral part of the community and catered specifically to GWR employees and their families. Built in 1854, this iconic institution stood as a beacon of knowledge and entertainment for generations. The new extension completed between 1891-93 housed this magnificent reading room, where individuals could immerse themselves in daily newspapers and journals at their leisure. The Mechanics Institute provided much more than just literature; it served as a hub for intellectual growth and social interaction. Alongside its extensive library, visitors had access to a theatre that hosted various performances throughout the year. Additionally, games rooms were available for friendly competitions amongst friends or colleagues. As we gaze upon this historic image, we are transported back in time when people would gather here seeking enlightenment or simply looking for respite from their daily routines. The atmosphere is palpable - whispers of conversations blend with rustling pages as patrons eagerly devour news articles or lose themselves in fictional worlds. Today preserved within STEAM Museum of the GWR (Great Western Railway), this photograph serves as a reminder of how vital institutions like these were to communities such as Swindon's Railway Village—a testament to both education and recreation intertwining harmoniously under one roof.

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