Over many years plans had been drawn to build a gallery in the Library. Indeed, a gallery had been intended from the day the College was built in 1893; spiral staircases in each corner of the Library (now hidden behind doors) are evidence of this – but nothing ever seemed quite right.
The main purpose of the gallery project, completed in 2010, was to provide extra workspaces for readers. It also had to fulfil building and safety regulations, while remaining faithful to the original style and meeting the restrictions associated with altering a listed building.
It wasn’t until George Hudson, a longstanding Fellow of the College, presented his vision of the gallery that the project became reality. The generous financial support of Brian Fidler, Wendy Fidler and the Cohen Family Trust ensured that the work could begin. Huge steel supports were swung into place, the laser-cut steel staircases designed, the beautiful oak floor fitted and the furniture and lamps chosen.
Throughout, the resilience of the students was remarkable: they supported the endeavour whilst experiencing major disruption to their library services. The new gallery has proved to be a favourite working space for students ever since, and another testament to the lasting impact of the generosity of our donors.
The above is an extract from "Building On Our Past, Shaping Our Future", a publication celebrating the 30 years since we received our Royal Charter to become a full collegiate member of the University of Oxford. You can order a copy of the book, which features original photography and text, by visiting our donation site.
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