Mechanics Institution, Higher Deardengate, Haslingden

Haslingden Mechanics Institute was founded in 1846 and survived until 1904. The present building of 1859 is now the public library, opened in 1905. Mechanics Institute records are held in Lancashire Records office

On Thursday last the new Institute, Haslingden was opened. There is, probably, no institution of similar character in East Lancashire which can boast so large a proportion of females who are receiving instruction in domestic economy and the rudimentary branches of education. The class-rooms previously occupied having become too crowded, and the directors were evidently cramped in their operations for want of better accommodation, it was decided that an effort should be put forth for the erection of commodious premises. A subscription list was opened, and in a short time £650 was realised, and subsequently when the corner stone was laid by the Marquis of Hartington the 29th of August last, the subscription list had reached £900. The building is situate in Deardengate. has a fronts go of26 yards, and is 16 yards from back to front. On the ground floor there is library capable of containing 4,000 volumes, a newsroom 600 superficial feet, conversation room 370 feet, class-room 645 feet, together with secretary’s room, housekeeper’s residence, entrance hall, and staircase. The first floor contains class rooms capable of holding 390 scholars. The limited amount at the disposal of the committee rendered it impossible to spend much in unnecessary ornament. Their aim was, however, to produce a building with sufficient of architectural embellishment about it to render it an ornament to the town. The Italian style was selected, and although in reality the fronts are plain, yet there is sufficient of ornament, judiciously placed, as to render the effect not only bold but picturesque. The main entrance is in the centre, over which is a balcony, and the break in the frontage is carried up to the roof, terminating in a circular pediment upon the acroteria, on which are placed two tall ornaments. The effect of this is, to break the otherwise straight frontage, and give a bold pleasing appearance to the front. The entrance hall is laid with encaustic tiles, and the hall, staircase, and principal rooms are beautifully finished with ornamental plastering. The building was designed, and has been carried out under the superintendence of Mr. Jas. Maxwell, architect. Bury. The cost of the land was £350, work and materials £1,295, gas fixings, etc., other extras required for furnishing, £190; forming a total cost of £1,886. [Bury Times Saturday 30 June 1860 page 3]

Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 14 May 1859 Page 2 (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 21 May 1859 Page 6 (Contracts)
Reference    Bury Times  Saturday 14 May 1859 Page 2 (Contracts)
Reference    Bury Times  Saturday 21 May 1859 Page 6 (Contracts)
Reference    Bury Times Saturday 30 June 1860 page 3