The Atkinson Free Library and Fine Art Gallery Southport

HANDSOME GIFT TO SOUTHPORT - At a special general meeting of the Southport Town Council, held last night, the question of a free library and fine art gallery for Southport was again discussed. The mayor announced that the designs of Messrs Waddington and Son of Burnley had been selected by the committee and that the building would cost £8,000. He also announced that late that evening he had received a communication from Mr W Atkinson JP of Southport and Manchester, who promised to give the ,8,000 on the conditions that the architects furnished the building for that amount. It was decided to call the building The Atkinson Free Library and Fine Art Gallery. [Manchester Guardian 5 July 1876 page 8]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 July 1876 page 8
Reference    British Architect 1878 Page 101
Reference    Pevsner and Hartwell: Lancashire North page 627