Codrington Library, All Souls College

Oxford

Founded from a bequest by Christopher Codrington, a College Fellow who also bequeathed his collection of books, the Hawksmoor-designed Codrington Library dates from 1716 and is Grade I listed. It encloses a remarkable classical interior within its gothic exterior which complements the earlier quadrangle. Inside, the plaster ceiling and upper decorations are by Thomas Roberts and the sculptures in the 1730s are by Henry Cheere; in the 1740s, James Gibbs advised on the bookcases and galleries. Works identified in our earlier Feasibility Study and carried out by the practice include roof and ceiling repair, selected internal redecoration, updating services, a new lighting scheme and IT facilities, a new librarians’ office, and rebuilding the bookstack so as to maximise storage. All works were carefully programmed to keep disruption of the working library to a minimum.

Before and After

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