The frieze above the entrance to Hyde Library on Union Street features the coat of arms of Hyde Borough. Hyde Borough coat of arms was granted in 1882. It is based on the design of the arms of the Hyde Family and to these are added articles of local industries of that time, namely a hatters' bow, cotton sprig and shuttle, Davy lamp and two picks. The motto is "Onward".
The foundation stone for Hyde Library was laid in 1897 by Elizabeth Ashton and the building was opened in 1899 by Letitia Mary Ashton as Hyde Technical School and Free Library.
See the foundation stones on Old Hyde.
It replaced the former Mechanics Institute.
I posted about the library in January 2014 and published further photographs of the library on Hyde DP Xtra.
I reported then that whilst in the first round of "council austerity cuts" the public were presented with three "choices" regarding the future of library services. Smaller local libraries were closed in the light of promised improved facilities at main libraries such as Hyde, but now, in a new round of service cuts, library services are being moved to the Town Hall and the council want to sell the library building.
An e-petition opposed to those plans can be found at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/62460.
A contribution to signs, signs.
What a fine photo. Great colors and symmetry. And I also like the design of the coat of arms.
ReplyDeleteAmazing workmanship on this frieze, wow! Tom The Backroads Traveller
ReplyDeleteQuite an impressive coat of arms.
ReplyDeleteWith every passing year it seems like Hyde has less and less to be proud of. I hope this building can continue to be used to benefit the community, and not just sold off to the highest bidder.
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