This tour and talk will demonstrate both the architecture and the use of the building in its early years as a library and school…

This Grade II listed building was originally opened in 1901 as a library, school of art and technical school. It was designed in the Art Nouveau style, and evidence for the style can still be found in many places, especially in the interior.

Rose Smith will be your tour Guide, demonstrating both the outside (weather permitting) and interior of the building. She will show how both the architectural style, including the features on the classroom doors, can still be seen simply by walking along the corridors and up the stairs.

A souvenir photograph album showing the building, teachers, pupils and classrooms was produced in about 1913 and is a rare and wonderful discovery from that time.

Your Speaker, Dot Bedenham, will be showing photographs from the amazing album, which gives an insight into the work of the early schools. Can Dot name particular teachers, even pupils?

The narrative of both Rose & Dot might be interspersed with memories of the later pupils of the schools, some of it quite surprising!

Your visit will begin with a tour of the building and conclude in The Roberts Room, where you can sit to view the visuals and interesting descriptions.

Duration Approx. 120 minutes

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time to get seated and comfy. The venue offers a lovely Cafe and a small shop area stocking items from local makers.

Booking OPENS on 23 Aug at 0930

Advance Registration required: Limited spaces. You may book up to 4 tickets per booking.

To complete your registration, you will need your name, contact telephone number, email, post code

Please complete registration within 10:00 minutes. After this, the reservation we're holding will be released to others.

Alternative dates: If your first choice of time is fully booked, you can either add your name to the waitlist or return to the booking page of our website and choose again.

Accessibility: Full wheelchair access. For full accessibility options and facilities available, please go to https://www.gosportheritage.co.uk/behind-the-facade/

01. Behind the Facade (12 Sept @ 1030)