Explore the hidden history Of Putney Library

Many thanks to Londonist for tipping us off that it's Wandsworth Heritage Festival at the moment, continuing until 8th June. Today's highlight is a secret behind the scenes tour of Putney Library, including visits to staff areas and other hidden rooms, in an attempt to tell us about the history of an interesting building.


It may not sound like the most exciting Thursday night out at first glance, but these sorts of tours help us to understand how the world and the places we know fit together, and Putney Library is certainly an interesting building. Funded by the 19th century publisher Sir George Newnes - hence Newnes Public Library in raised lettering on the front of the building - the Library was designed by Francis J Smith and completed in 1899. It was extended nearly a century later in 1996-1997, and we are told that the tour will make specific references to the First and Second World Wars.

For more, see https://gll-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/asset/attachment/6240/WandsworthHeriatgeBooklet2014.pdf

_{^Picture © Paul Farmer used under a Creative Commons license^}