|
The Building |
 The
Portico Library was opened in 1806, following a decision taken by a group
of Manchester businessmen in 1803 to found an institute uniting the advantages
of a newsroom and a library. It is a listed Grade II* building of Runcorn
stone, a fine example of Neo-Classical architecture designed by Thomas
Harrison, architect of the earlier Liverpool Lyceum and a leading exponent
of the classical revival of which the Portico is one of the finest examples.
|
 The
site chosen was 'the most elegant and retired street in town' according
to John Dalton. Money was raised by subscription and the subscribers became
shareholders in the Library. It was an immediate success, combining as
it did newsroom, library and club, for members could buy light refreshments
on the premises as they still can today. |
 The
ground floor was first tenanted in the 1920s by the Bank of Athens. The
building was partitioned into two separate levels roofed with a glass
dome, designed by Joseph Sunlight. By 1987 the dome had been replaced
by the existing Gallery floor. In fact, a London dealer was able to purchase
the dome for £500 for an American client, for all that is known
it could well be the canopy of a swimming pool in California! |
 Major
renovation of the roof, dome and the south staircase has been undertaken,
both to restore former glories and to keep abreast of present-day statutory
requirements.  Boomtown
Manchester, published in 1993, provides much information on the early
history and development of the Library as a respected Manchester institution.
The Portico Library: A History, published in 2000, gives a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the Library. |
| For further details please contact the Librarian or telephone 0161 236 6785. |
