The Old Grammar School - Dr Joanne Harrison RIBA IHBC

This talk is about the architectural and social history of Wakefield's Old Grammar School on Brook Strret, from its construction in 1598 to the present day proposals for its adaptation and continued use.

As architect and heritage consultant, Joanne, who is a member of the Society's Executive Committee, will present an account of the key architectural changes to the building that she has found in her research, including its Victorian extension and the 20th century partial demolition.

Drawn from archival research including drawings, photographs and documents, as well as recent photographs and drawings of the proposals, there is much to be revealed.

As one of the, arguably, most important and high-profile buildings in the centre of Wakefield, there is high interest in the current phase of development which will see it converted to retail use. Joanne is working closely with the new owners, who have adopted a very conservative approach to the restoration and refurbishment of the building, to protect its heritage significance. Minimal intervention is certainly the key concept, and one which is absolutely appropriate for a building that hasn’t seen much of that in the past.

The architectural phases will be contextualised in the building’s social history and the wider social history of Wakefield, including its resident education establishments and art gallery as well as its perhaps lesser-known time as a storage unit.

The talk is offered as part of our programme of annual joint meetings with Wakefield Historical Society, held every January. This time it is the Civic Society's turn to host.

However, the talk is open to all - you don't need to be a member of either Society to attend and the tickets are free to anyone interested in the subject. It will be held in the Kingswood Suite on the first floor of the Town Hall (lift available).

Please note that we sometimes take photographs at our events to help promote the work of the Society on social media, in our print publications and in our presentations. If you do not wish to be included in the photographs, please speak to one of the organisers on the at the event.

For anyone unable to attend the talk in person, a live stream will be available via Zoom. When booking your ticket(s) , please make you to select either the 'in person' ticket if you are planning to come along to the Town Hall or the 'live stream' ticket if you are going to watch on line. A Zoom link will be sent to you on the day of the event.