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University of Adelaide Library

Place

North Terrace Campus

Event

International Kelmscott Press Day, 26 June

Exhibition or Highlight

William Morris and the Kelmscott Press in Adelaide

Related Series

University People, Buildings and Events Photographs

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Place (35)

Maps or Plan

Place (12)

Vignette

Place (11)

Blog

Place (4)

People or Position

People or Position (4)

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Barr Smith Library

DESCRIPTION

NameBarr Smith LibraryAlternative NameUniversity LibraryType of PlaceBuildingLocationNorth Terrace Campus Last edited by: Samantha Farnsworth

Unique IDUA-00007121Date1932Description

The University of Adelaide Library originated in the Mitchell Building in the 1890's. Robert Barr Smith provided a number of gifts, totalling 9,000 pounds over the years 1892-1911 for the purchase of books.

In 1899, the University Council decided to name the library after one of its greatest benefactors, Robert Barr Smith. In 1920, after his death, his family provided an additional 11,000 pounds to form an endowment for the Library.

By the 1920s the University Library had outgrown its accommodation in the Mitchell Building. A new purpose built library was urgently required.

In 1927-28 Tom Elder Barr Smith, Robert’s son, gave 34,718 pounds to build a new Library and a further gift of 10,000 pounds in 1941 for the purchase of books.

The 1932 building was designed by Walter Bagot of Woods, Bagot, Laybourne-Smith and Irwin, and was the fourth red brick building on the North Terrace campus. It was opened on 4 March 1932 by the Governor, Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven.

Constructed using a concrete frame and clad in red brick this Georgian Revival building has an imposing façade lining up with the Mitchell Gates. It was positioned to provide a grand entrance into the University from Frome Road.

Originally designed to hold some 15,000 volumes on open access with a further 100,000 in stacks, it has since been extended on three separate occasions: in 1958-1959, in 1967-68 and in 1970-71. The 1971 extensions more than doubled the space previously available.

Unfortunately, Bagot’s vision for the library and its forecourt was destroyed with the erection of the Fisher Laboratories in 1960. Later building developments necessitated the demolition of this rather unattractive building. It is with a sense of relief that Bagot’s original vision for the library precinct has been restored.

The Reading Room of the 1932 building carries an inscription on the frieze commemorating the gifts by Robert Barr Smith and family, and T.E. Barr Smith.

Taken from:

UAA Provenance Record UAR-0188; University of Adelaide Archives Information Sheet No.8
The University of Adelaide, 1874-1974: A Statement of the Case for Supporting the University's Centenary Appeal. 1972.

Maps or Plan

Barr Smith Library Plans - Sheet 7

Barr Smith Library Plans - Sheet 6

Barr Smith Library Plans - Sheet 5

Barr Smith Library Plans - Sheet 4

Barr Smith Library Plans - Sheet 3

Barr Smith Library Plans - Sheet 2

Barr Smith Library Plans - Floor Covering - Sheet 1

Barr Smith Library Plans - Proposed External

Barr Smith Library Plans - Proposed Internal

Barr Smith Library Plans - Reading Room

Barr Smith Library Plans - Electrical Lighting - 2

Barr Smith Library Plans - Electrical Lighting - 1

Vignette

Vignette 13: The Barr Smith family donations

Vignette 18: Enriching the Library

Vignette 27: A librarian's legacy

Vignette 73: Founder of the Elder Conservatorium of Music

Vignette 79: Portrait of Kaurna Elder Uncle Rodney O'Brien

Vignette 101: Hub Central

Vignette 114: Cultural space and collection

Vignette 118: Walter Hervey Bagot’s architecture

Vignette 121: Mitchell Gates

Vignette 128: Barr Smith Lawns

Vignette 133: Kaurna children's letters

Blog

Robert Barr Smith's Commonplace Books

Adelaide Panorama, circa 1930

“They're Building a Library For Him…”

The Foundation of the Barr Smith Library

People or Position

Thomas (Tom) Elder Barr Smith

Eugene LeMire

Christine Margaret Macgregor

Robert Barr Smith

Text

Robert Barr Smith - Mount Barker - Donation of £1000 to University Library

Video

Rodeo for Sidney Kidman’s 75th Birthday

Organisation

University of Adelaide Library

Event

International Kelmscott Press Day, 26 June

Exhibition Highlight

William Morris and the Kelmscott Press in Adelaide

RELATIONSHIPS

OrganisationUniversity of Adelaide Library Last edited by: Samantha Farnsworth

PlaceNorth Terrace CampusEventInternational Kelmscott Press Day, 26 June Last edited by: Samantha Farnsworth

Exhibition or HighlightWilliam Morris and the Kelmscott Press in Adelaide Last edited by: Samantha Farnsworth

Related SeriesUniversity People, Buildings and Events Photographs Last edited by: Edgar Ferro

External LinksNorth Terrace CampusBarr Smith Library Reading Room - 3D Tour Last edited by: Samantha Farnsworth