Ancient library houses in state-of-the art building
It has a magnificent and one of the most important ancient libraries in the UK tucked away inside its building yet boasts state-of-the-art electronic connectivity.
Shrewsbury School re-opened its newly developed, 're-invigorated' library at the weekend, the third phase of its £15 million five-phase capital campaign.
The school's Foundation has led the project to transform the Moser library, from an area where pupils had to study in coats and hats because of broken central heating system to a learning facility that Headmaster Mark Turner said would become the beating heart of the school.
Keeping the original building structure intact, the £1 million re-developed library has been fitted with a vast array of modern learning tools including comprehensive internet connectivity and EBooks. Shelving and furniture have been redesigned and a mezzanine added, increasing its usable space.
It also contains the Moser gallery with its historic collection of watercolours and most impressive, its ancient library.
Founded in 1606 by them Headmaster John Meighen, thehistoric room is a step back in time. The books were chained so they could not be taken away and above it was a walking gallery intended for mathematical and astronomical instruments.
There are no less than 75 incunabula - books printed on or before 1500, books, manuscripts and letters of Charles Darwin and Samuel Butler and the first edition of what became the Football Association rules.
Mr Turner said; "We have one of the best archives and ancient treasures of any library in the country, truly historic works.
He said that the library had been re-invigorated and included more than 100 individual work spaces.
John Rolfe, Foundation Director said that as the pupils learn and study in today’s modern world, the redeveloped Moser Library would
play an increasing role in independent learning as a prelude to higher education.
“Shrewsbury School Foundation is proud to have played an important role in the development of Shrewsbury School’s infrastructure. Through the generous charitable donations of our parents and Old Salopians, the redevelopment of the Moser Library has
been made possible."
Two of the main sponsors were the Cassidy Family and Kenneth Ng.
Siobhan Cassidy, who represented the Cassidy family at the opening said her husband and brother-in-law, both involved in UK rowing, began their love of the sport at Shrewsbury School.
Herself a GB rower, she said that books inspired learning.
"Parents spend time reading with their children and the world of knowledge is opened through books," she said.
"We can also find refuge in a good book."
Mr Ng was a pupil at the school from 1982-87 and his son, Karist, 17, is a currentl pupil.
Now running an investment company in Bangkok Mr Ng said Shrewsbury School played an important part in his development.
Archtect for the project was Adrian Jones and Morris Properties led the build.
The library is the third stage in the development plan ‘2020 Vision’ which aims to play a key role in strengthening academics at Shrewsbury School.”
The Shrewsbury school Foundation just celebrated its 50 th Anniversary, said up provide charitable funds for means tested pupils who
otherwise couldn’t afford a Shrewsbury education and other prioritised capital projects.
Currently Shrewsbury School is in the midst of a £15 million appeal with five phases.
The first was to build £4 million Hodgson Hall, a 19-room three-storey humanities building which houses geography, history, religions studies, economics, and business studies.
The lead donor was Howard Hodgson, an American, who is direct family relation to the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury who once owned the land Shrewsbury School sits on.
The second phase was the Chatri Design Centre, a computer design and technology centre. Lead donor in the £2 million project was Chatri Sophonpanich from Thailand, co-founder of Shrewsbury International School
Future fourth and fifth phases are the £3 million Charles Wall Theatre and an £8 million sports facility.
Shrewsbury School Foundation is seeking funding for the completion of the Charles Wall Theatre. The new facilities will include improved seating, sound, lighting, green rooms, washrooms, dance studio and a vast foyer.
