(1 August 2015) It has been given the highest Grade I listed status for its outstanding architectural and historic interest
The British Library, home to documents ranging from Magna Carta manuscripts to handwritten Beatles lyrics, has become one of England’s youngest buildings to receive protected status.
The library, the largest public building to be built in the UK in the 20th century, has been given the highest Grade I listed status for its outstanding architectural and historic interest, experts said.
The Telegraph has the story and the pictures.
British Library building receives highest listed status
(1 August 2015) The Department for Culture, Media & Sport, British Library and Historic England in its press release reports that the British Library has been listed Grade I by Heritage Minister, Tracey Crouch on the advice of Historic England and joins the top 2.5% of listed buildings in England.
Originally designed by architect Sir Colin St John Wilson and his partner MJ Long between 1982 and 1999, it was the largest UK public building to be built in the 20th century. Intended to move and inspire its visitors, today the British Library is much-loved and well-used by scholars and members of the public alike for its soaring and stimulating spaces.
With its 5 public floors sweeping upwards like a wave, the architecture is both immense and extraordinary. Surrounded on both sides by 11 Reading Rooms, the Library’s centrepiece is the magnificent King’s Library tower, home to the library of George III as well as the Treasures Gallery that hold national Treasures such as Magna Carta, Lindisfarne Gospels and original Beatles lyrics.
The building holds a prominent location on London’s Euston Road and shaped the emerging character of the surrounding area of north-central London as a place of collaborative research and study – referred to now as the Knowledge Quarter.
Heritage Minister Tracey Crouch said: “The British Library divided opinion from the moment its design was revealed, but I am glad that expert advice now allows me to list it, ensuring that its iconic design is protected for future generations to enjoy.”
Read the announcement in full here.
