8
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING.
The Museum was designed by Mr. S. B. Russell,
A.R.I.B.A., who was also the architect of the Technical
Institute. Mr. Russell has kindly furnished the following
account of it:—
" The exterior of the building which naturally is the first to attract
one's attention, forms a prominent feature in the Romford Road.
Being erected subsequently to the Technical Institute which it adjoins,
it has had to partake of the same free character of design as the
principal facade of its immediate neighbour. It possesses, however,
sufficient variation of outline and detail to preserve its independence as
a separate building and standing well forward it proclaims its existence
and renders invaluable aid to the Institute by masking the common-
place erections on its eastern boundary.
" A bronze panel by Mr. H. C. Fehr in the tympanum of the
entrance contains a medallion portrait of Mr. Passmore Edwards to
whose generosity the Corporation are much indebted in this building.
" In the interior, the walls having to be left bare for exhibition
purposes, architectural expression is obtained by the columnar treat-
ment of the central space of the large hall which is carried up through
the gallery on the first floor and supports the groined, barrelled, and
enriched ceilings and dome, from which last is obtained the chief light
for this part of the building.
" Again, in the north gallery the principal interest is centred in the
staircase and ceiling of the gallery on the first floor.
" The ground floor is paved with marble mosaic enriched in the
centre of the large hall with a panel of ' seaglia grossa ' of rich coloured
marbles and in the north gallery by the arms of the Corporation.
" Good examples of the smiths' art of the present day are found in
the electric light fittings, especially in the central pendant of the large
hall, and in the staircase and balcony railings, as well as in the grille to
the ventilating shaft where a youthful Boreas typifies its purpose.
" The scheme of decorative colour is kept simple and treated in
broad masses, giving the repose essential in a building devoted to the
purposes of this."
The Museum will be warmed by steam from the engine-house,
and lighted throughout by electricity. The wall and floor cases were
made by Messrs. J. Garvie and Son of Aberdeen. The frames are of
mahogany fitted with plate glass and appliances for excluding dust;
they are excellent specimens of modern museum fittings.
In the basement is the curator's work-room, supplied with gas,
hot and cold water, and with work tables and other appliances. Under
the great hall are cellars for storage of specimens awaiting prepara-
tion and other museum material.