Thomasson Co-operative Reading Room, Charles Street, Bolton

THE THOMASSON CO-OPERATIVE READING ROOM, BOLTON - In one of the most thickly populated districts of Bolton, Mr J. P. Thomasson some time since erected a. gymnasium, and gave a large play-ground which have been greatly used by the youths of the town. Adjoining the gymnasium, he is now erecting reading rooms, etc., from the designs of Messrs Bradshaw and Gass, F/FRIBA of Bolton, and the Bolton Co-operative Society, one of the most successful societies in England, has arranged to take charge of the buildings, Mr Thomasson providing for part of the maintenance. On the ground floor is a reading room for men, with smoke and games room adjoining.  A separate staircase leads to the women's reading room on the first floor. Adjoining the latter is the caretaker's residence, from the kitchen of which refreshments and tea and coffee will be served to both the men and women's rooms. At the back, with a separate entrance, two slipper baths are provided, and will be available for public use on a small payment being made. The buildings are well finished inside; externally local red bricks, Ruabon terra cotta, and stone will be used. The contract is let to Messrs Wm. Townson and Sons, Ltd., of Bolton, and the work is now in hand. [Building News 19 April 1901 Page 529]

Reference    Building News 19 April 1901 Page 529 and illustration
Reference    Architecture 1901 page 14 illustration

Thomasson was a generous benefactor to Bolton and provided many other facilities, including the Thomasson Gymnasium on Folds Road, and Mere Hall. He also gave £1,000 to the borough to allow the completion of the Chadwick Museum in Queen’s Park. Thomasson was made Freeman of County Borough of Bolton on 10 November 1902 and died in May 1904. He was a Unitarian, a keen supporter of Bank Street Chapel, and an early supporter of the Women's suffrage movement, of which his wife Katherine was a prominent member. He was also a naturalist, who corresponded with Charles Darwin and Thomas Huxley.