The Harris

The Harris, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Preston, Lancashire, is a place where history, art, and culture converge in a magnificent Grade I-listed building. This cultural beacon, founded by Edmund Harris in 1877, stands as a testament to the town's rich heritage and its commitment to literature, arts, and science.

The History of The Harris

In the 19th century, a wave of cultural renaissance swept across Britain, making it legal to raise funds for libraries through local taxation. Preston, a town brimming with ambition, sought to create a grand museum and library for its residents. The seeds of this vision were sown in 1850 when the local community began holding fundraising events. The dream took a significant leap forward in 1877 when Edmund Robert Harris, a distinguished Preston lawyer, bequeathed £300,000 in his will to establish a trust for a public library, museum, and art gallery.

The first lending library in Preston was set up in the Town Hall basement in 1879, followed by a public museum on Cross Street, which opened its doors on May 1, 1880. The overwhelming success of these establishments led the council to commission a new building to house both the museum and the library. Construction began in 1882 during the Preston Guild, and The Harris officially opened in 1893, marking the culmination of years of dedication and community effort.

Architectural Splendor

The Harris is a masterpiece of Neo-Classical design, conceived by local architect James Hibbert. In an era dominated by the Gothic Revival style, Hibbert's choice of Neo-Classicism was both bold and visionary. The building's exterior exudes a sense of grandeur and elegance, characterized by simplicity, symmetry, and refined detail.

A striking pediment dominates the front of the building, featuring a sculpture inspired by Raphael's The School of Athens. This intricate work by London sculptor Edwin Roscoe Mullins showcases the central figure of the Ancient Athenian general Pericles, surrounded by twelve other men arranged symmetrically. Beneath the pediment, the inscription To Literature, Arts and Science proudly declares the building's purpose. Additional inscriptions along the sides, such as on Earth there is nothing great but man: in man there is nothing great but mind, add to the building's intellectual allure.

Supporting the pediment are six Ionic fluted columns that lead down to a raised portico overlooking the Flag Market. Unlike many Neo-Classical buildings, The Harris does not feature steps leading up from the market but instead has ground-level entrances on each side, enhancing its accessibility and inviting presence.

Exploring The Harris

Stepping inside The Harris, visitors are greeted by a central hall that rises over 120 feet from the ground floor to the ceiling of the lantern tower. This awe-inspiring space is complemented by three upper floors with balconies that open onto the central hall, creating a sense of openness and grandeur. The interior design draws inspiration from Ancient Greece, Assyria, and Egypt, featuring columns, mosaic floors, and classical and Renaissance sculptures that celebrate the world's greatest artistic achievements.

The museum's collections are a treasure trove of fine art, decorative art, costume, textiles, and local history. The permanent history gallery, Discover Preston, offers a fascinating journey through the town's past, while the Discovery Room showcases a wider array of collections. Highlights include the complete skeleton of the 13,500-year-old Poulton Elk, an Ice Age elk with embedded man-made barbed points, which stands as the earliest relic of human occupation in Lancashire.

The fine art collection boasts over 800 oil paintings, featuring works by renowned artists such as Richard Ansdell, George Frederick Watts, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Stanley Spencer, Lucian Freud, Ivon Hitchens, and Graham Sutherland. Local talents like Anthony Devis and Reginald Aspinwall are also well represented. The decorative art collection includes exquisite British ceramics and glass, displayed in the Ceramics and Glass Gallery, and a contemporary art program brings national and international artists to The Harris through touring shows and in-house exhibitions.

The Harris Library

The Harris is also home to Preston City's Public Library, managed by Lancashire County Council. The library's first librarian, William Bramwell, played a pivotal role in its early years, retiring in 1916 at the age of eighty-one. The library houses important book collections, including the Shepherd Collection, donated by Dr. Richard Shepherd in 1761, which features local studies material, nineteenth-century journals, rare books, and art books. The Spencer collection of illustrated children's books and chapbooks adds a delightful touch to the library's offerings.

Renovation and Future Plans

In October 2020, The Harris embarked on an ambitious £10.7 million renovation and restoration project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The #HarrisYourPlace project aims to establish The Harris as the UK's first blended museum, art gallery, and library. The renovation will address long-standing conservation needs, including roof, stonework, and basement repairs to combat damp issues. The project will also reveal hidden architectural details, improve accessibility with a new lift and ground-floor toilet, and replace the existing fire exit stairs with a new staircase.

Additionally, a £150,000 Children's Place scheme, scheduled to open in 2024, will redevelop the children's library space and enhance facilities for school groups and families. These developments promise to make The Harris an even more vibrant and inclusive cultural hub for the community.

In conclusion, The Harris is not just a museum, library, and art gallery; it is a living testament to Preston's rich heritage and cultural aspirations. Its walls tell stories of the past, celebrate artistic achievements, and inspire future generations. A visit to The Harris is a journey through time, art, and knowledge, making it an unmissable destination in the heart of Preston.