Wimbledon Free Library, Wimbledon Hill

WIMBLEDON FREE LIBRARY - The plans prepared by Messrs. Potts, Sulman, & Hennings have been accepted. [Builder 18 July 1885 page 86]

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, WIMBLEDON - The design shown in our illustration was selected in public competition in July last, about forty sets being submitted. The plan is very simple, the point striven at being that the Librarian or his Assistant should be able to thoroughly oversee the whole Library without much walking about. Then, as the newspapers, etc., have most readers, they are placed near the door, with the tables for those using reference library situated in the more retired parts of the building. The Librarian’s rooms are over the front entrance and have a private communication to both street and office. Tenders have been submitted, that of Mr. Johnson, of Wimbledon, being the lowest, £2,165, including lighting and heating, but not the bookcases. The architects are Messrs. Potts, Sulman, & Hennings, of London. [Builder 12 December 1885 page 822]

In 1886, the then chairman of the Local Board, John Townsend took the decision to build a public library and part of the former Thomson’s Nursery site on Wimbledon Hill was purchased for the purpose. Designed by Potts, Sulman and Hennings, and won in competition, the building was built of finely ornamented Victorian brick and was originally surrounded by trees, railings, and privet hedges. The library was opened in 1887.