The library is a locally listed building within
South Norwood Conservation Area
on the corner of Selhurst Road and
Lawrence Road
The library is a locally listed
building
within
South Norwood
Conservation
Area
on the corner of Selhurst Road
and
Lawrence Road
The purpose of a Conservation area is to protect its special architectural or historic interests. This may include the character or appearance of a building which is beneficial to preserve for heritage reasons. If a proposal is submitted that affects a heritage asset, planning permission can be refused if the development would cause harm. South Norwood Conservation Area can be viewed in full detail here
The site has been home to a library for over 100 years
The original library building was reminiscent of an ‘arts and crafts’ architectural design. The building situated to its left (also in the conservation area) remains and is in use as the ‘Samuel Coleridge Taylor’ Youth Centre, named after the notable English composer who was raised in Croydon and lived in South Norwood.
The original ‘arts and crafts’ style library (with spire) photographed circa 1907
Composer, Samuel Coleridge Taylor
A still from ‘The High Rise and Fall”
Following the Second World War, Croydon council comissioned a number of new building projects with which to boost the reputation and economic opportunities of the borough and it quickly became known for it’s concrete style and high rise buildings. The Architecture Foundation released a two part documentary in 2016 titled “The High Rise and Fall” which details this period of radical architecture and its impact on the legacy of Croydon. Architect ‘Hugh Lea’ who had just completed work on the infamous Taberner House, first began working on the design of the modernist library in South Norwood in 1966.
The architectural plans (collections held at Croydon archives)
Flyer for opening event (collections held at Croydon archives)
When it was completed in 1968, it was clear to see that the simple structure and concrete block facade, were inspired by Brutalist architecture popular in 1950’s Britain, showing influences of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Understandably Bridget Cherry, former editor of the ‘Pevsner Architectural’ guides, remembers fondly it causing “quite an impact in the street”. The building interior inhabits three levels with floor-to-ceiling windows which flood the space with natural light.
The 1968 Brutalist library caused “quite an impact when it opened”
Interior of the library
Aside from the unique character of the building the location is also home to a community mosaic art design, which decorates the pavement in front of the library. This public art was created in 2006 through a series of workshops hosted by ‘Mosaic Art’ with hundreds of school children and local community members. The project bought together people of all areas, culture and backgrounds to create a pictorial record of past and present experiences in South Norwood. Passers by can enjoy the heritage treasure map which contains many clues about the history of the area.
Mosaic on the front pavement of the library created 2006
School children in mosaic workshop 2006
“The (mosaic) design is impressive and will definitely add a new dimension to South Norwood and the library. The mosaic will give everyone who passes by and sees it a lot of pleasure.”
Side rear view from Lawrence Road
On September 27th 2022, it was announced that the library service would remain in it’s home and the Brutalist building would be protected from developers. We are pleased that for now that the library appears to be safe, however we will continue to campaign for improvements to the building and our library service in SE25.