History
Essex County Hall in Chelmsford is a Grade II listed municipal building and the seat of Essex County Council.The original parts of the building were constructed by F. Whitmore, and later by J. Stuart, between 1909 and 1939. The hall was erected in Chelmsford because the town (now a city) was situated at the geographic and political centre of Essex. Today, it is well-known for having swastikas carved into its stonework and the fact the they have caused distress among a number of people. Chelmsford Civic Society have since commented by saying, “If they were going to be removed it would have happened immediately after the war, or during… But it is encouraging to think people are looking at the detail on buildings”. Nevertheless, while the original structure remains largely the same, further modern extensions have been added to the County Hall over the years. According to Historic England, these are, architecturally speaking, rather basic-looking buildings by comparison.
Chelmsford Central Library is the latest additional to the County Hall site. A glass atrium connects it to the original structure. It is not known exactly when the library was constructed, but its design adheres to a rugged Brutalist inspired – albeit slightly more modern – architectural design; a style that flourished between the 1950s and mid-1970s. Unlike the County Hall, it is reported that the library is of no apparent historic interest. However, the library is known to be a hub of community activity in the city and it offers a range of facilities and services to the general public. In a bid to sustain its good public service, the building is presently undergoing rooftop maintenance as new equipment is being installed.
Our focus on Chelmsford Central Library began back in October 2016. This report, then, features shots that were gathered between October 2016 and January 2017.
Explored with Ford Mayhem, Slayaaaa, Mockney Reject, Urban Duck and Stewie.
Essex County Hall in Chelmsford is a Grade II listed municipal building and the seat of Essex County Council.The original parts of the building were constructed by F. Whitmore, and later by J. Stuart, between 1909 and 1939. The hall was erected in Chelmsford because the town (now a city) was situated at the geographic and political centre of Essex. Today, it is well-known for having swastikas carved into its stonework and the fact the they have caused distress among a number of people. Chelmsford Civic Society have since commented by saying, “If they were going to be removed it would have happened immediately after the war, or during… But it is encouraging to think people are looking at the detail on buildings”. Nevertheless, while the original structure remains largely the same, further modern extensions have been added to the County Hall over the years. According to Historic England, these are, architecturally speaking, rather basic-looking buildings by comparison.
Chelmsford Central Library is the latest additional to the County Hall site. A glass atrium connects it to the original structure. It is not known exactly when the library was constructed, but its design adheres to a rugged Brutalist inspired – albeit slightly more modern – architectural design; a style that flourished between the 1950s and mid-1970s. Unlike the County Hall, it is reported that the library is of no apparent historic interest. However, the library is known to be a hub of community activity in the city and it offers a range of facilities and services to the general public. In a bid to sustain its good public service, the building is presently undergoing rooftop maintenance as new equipment is being installed.
Our focus on Chelmsford Central Library began back in October 2016. This report, then, features shots that were gathered between October 2016 and January 2017.
Explored with Ford Mayhem, Slayaaaa, Mockney Reject, Urban Duck and Stewie.
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