Buildings of Distinction - The Preston Harris Museum and Art Gallery

Buildings of Distinction - The Preston Harris Museum and Art Gallery

Sep, 14 2024


In the 19th century, it became legal to raise money for libraries by local taxation, and the town of Preston wanted a grand museum and library for its inhabitants. From 1850, local people held fund-raising events; and in 1877 Edmund Robert Harris, a Preston lawyer, left in his will £300,000 to establish a trust and support a public library, museum and art gallery with Preston Corporation.

By 1879, the very first Preston lending library was established in the Town Hall basement, whilst a public museum was set up on Cross Street, opening 1st May 1880. Great interest was shown which led the council to construct a new building for both. Work started on the museum in 1882 during the Preston Guild, and it officially opened in 1893.

For the past 131 years the Preston Harris – Museum and Art Gallery has been attracting visitors far and wide and it’s obvious why. It stands alone by original architect James Hibbert whose vision was for a Neo – Classical style.

One of the most striking features from Hibbert’s conceptual design was the Foucault pendulum which hangs in the central foyer, through all the floors, over a butterfly – shaped plate with the hours of the day.

The Harris also shelves a prestigious library run by Lancashire County Council. It features a plethora of archive and modern books suitable for all ages.

However, due to over two centurys of wear and tear, organisers were convinced The Harris needed a boost. This led to the renovation project which was granted access thanks to a successful bid for support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. That was back in October 2020.

Please watch this 7 minute film interviewing a professional worker on site explaining the necessary changes the Harris had to make –

Despite The Harris being temporarily closed the website is still available to view and will redirect interested ones to alternative places for their cultural fix - https://www.theharris.org.uk/

Lovers of games were treated in October 2020 when a Preston version of Monopoly was released which featured The Harris.

As we gradually close 2024 the people of Preston are eagerly looking forward to the grand opening of one it’s most pivotal places of interest. In the past it generated so many outside tourists and the creatively inclined to the cultural hubbub of Preston. But now it is hoped to expand on it’s already popular visits by the fantastic revamp which will no doubt boost trade and enhance the overall glow for the city of Preston.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger