Llandovery College, Llandovery: Extensions

LLANDOVERY COLLEGE NEW BUILDINGS - The extension buildings in connection with Llandovery College, which have been in progress for about two years, are now practically completed, and although the formal opening will not take place tor a few weeks yet, the students are gradually taking possession of their new quarters. The kitchen, offices and servants new wing have been occupied for some months past, and now the new dormitories, bath-rooms and laboratories are being occupied, and by the time this appears in print, the class-rooms and studies will also be in use. A special feature of the new buildings is the dining hall, a really magnificent room. One might call it a triumph of modern architecture, so well adapted is it for its special purpose. Its dimensions are nearly 72 feet long by about 28 feet wide, with a well- proportioned alcove, forming a serving recess, which is entered by a short corridor from the kitchen. In looking at the general planning of the ground floor, one is tempted to congratulate the authorities upon their good fortune in securing the services of such eminent architects as Messrs. Austin and Paley, of Lan- caster, whose wide experience in the designing of public schools is so well-known. Everything appears to have been thought of for convenience of the school and household. The new dormitories, six in number, are well arranged, in the matter of comfort, light and ventilation, The corridors are of ample width, well lighted and fitted with ranges of suitable lockers for each of the students, whilst the well-fitted bath rooms and lavatories are all that could be desired. A much-needed extra water service has been added, and there is now a good supply to all parts of the buildings. The sanitary arrangements are pronounced by the Local Sanitary Authorities to be perfect. Looking at the external aspect of the new buildings, it appears to be a solid, well-built, substantial building, and yet of a very pleasing character. The rubble wall of red stone, with which it is built, with the dressings of "flecked" Alton stone, testify to the wisdom of the architects in making the selection. The kitchen cooking ranges are by Newton. Chambers and Co., of Manchester, the other stoves and grates being by Wright and Co., London. The gas pendants for dining hall and other parts of the building are by Thomas Brown and Co Birmingham. The sanitary fittings are by Stanke and Co., Glasgow, and Lucket and Co., Burnley. The carved shield and arms of the institution is the work of Martyn and Co., London and Cheltenham. The general contractor of the buildings was Mr. George Mercer, of Llanelly. whilst Mr. Alfred Fincham performed his duties as clerk of the works in a most commendable and satisfactory manner. [The Cambrian 2 October 1903 page 6]

LLANDOVERY COLLEGE, OPENING OF THE NEW BUILDINGS - Tuesday last was a red-letter day in the history of Llandovery College, for it marked the formal opening of the new College buildings, which are an important addition to the old erection, and which will greatly facilitate the carrying on of the excellent work done at this College since its foundation. The outlay represented by this enterprise is close upon £10,000. Composed of blue stone from Swansea and red sandstone from Cylry-chen, near Llandebie, and dressed with Staffordshire brick, the new buildings present a handsome appearance, and a prominent feature is the great amount of window space. Identical in style with the old building, erected in 1851, the new retains all the latter's good points, while avoiding those defects which experience has made manifest. The new erection contains a tiled kitchen and servants' offices, a dairy, bread store, hot and cold meat larders, and a bakery. On the ground floor are a couple of new classrooms, well lighted and aired. The new scheme also provides for the transformation of the old dining-hall into two more class-rooms. Occupying a good half of the ground space on the ground floor is the new dining-hall, excellent in style, finish and design. It measures 71 feet by 28 feet, or 8 feet longer than the present school hall, and is lighted by two windows in the Tudor style, with ten lights to each; two other large windows with six lights and a centre window with two lights. There are large open grates and oak-panelled walls, and the appointments include a high cross- table for the masters and prefects. The ceiling beams are finely moulded and decorated. On the first floor are four studies—each for four boys—and further along the corridor are five baths, with concrete flooring. In the lavatories lockers are constructed for the reception of football boots, jerseys, and so on, thus avoiding dust and dirt in the sleeping- rooms. These latter are remarkably fine apartments. There are several new dormitories, and some of them bear the names of governors. For instance, there are the Dolaucothi, the Cawdor, the Llewelyn, and the Tredegar. Each room contains from 8 to 10 beds, and the lighting and ventilation have been carefully arranged. In the corridors are lockers for the boys' clothes and suits, and leading off the passages are a sick- room, matron's rooms, and an airing-room. Various alterations have been made to the old buildings, and the trees which used to form an avenue to the tuck have been removed also the old kitchens and pantries. The architects were Messrs. Paley and Austin, of Lancaster, and the builder, Mr. G. Mercer, Llanelly. [Carmarthen Journal 27 November 1903 page 8]