Ok, so i noticed that the building was being worked on when taking the exterior pics a few months back, so made a plan to come back when i had more time and see if i could find out what was going on from any of the workmen and maybe even get some pics inside. This i managed a few weeks ago, the guys were all really nice, one in particular that i can't remember the name of, but he used to attend the school himself, so he spent ages telling me about it. It is being renovated as a business and IT centre, and is scheduled to be finished by October. I just got there in time to capture the last remaining authentic bits before it is all plasterboarded up. I was able to have a good wander around. Here's a selection of pics;
The first thing to notice is that the big central hall you see in the old photo had a grand staircase put into it at some point, not sure when this happened or how you got to upper level in the past, maybe a hidden back staircase.Looking towards stairs from door.
Closer to the stairs
Stairwell with the brilliant glass roof visible
Bottom of stairs looking up
Bottom of stairs, nice post
At the top of the stairs, ornate bannisters
On the landing looking across the stairwell
Top of stairs, looking down
Old classroom, with fireplace, pink and yellow colours were the last paint job it had as a school
A bit of original wood panelling, must have had something on wall. This was the only room left which hadn't been fully plasterboarded
An upstairs classroom, gives you an idea of the size of the rooms
Some more to follow.....Phew!
JamesMc.
I see dead buildings...