Wills Memorial Building Address

Doors Open Day at the University of Saturday 14 September 2013

A brief guide to the buildings open between 10am and 4pm Theatre Collection Bristol Heart Institute (open between 10am and 2pm) Welcome Wills Memorial Building Queen’s Road, BS8 1RJ

We hope you enjoy visiting the buildings Guided tours There will be free tours to the top of the in this year’s programme: Tower. These must be booked on the day, on a first come, first served basis.† The Wills Memorial Building, Royal Fort House, Visit the Tower Tours reception desk on the Theatre Collection, Clifton Hill House and the ground floor to reserve a place. Tour times: 9.55am, 10.15am, the Bristol Heart Institute. 10.35am, 10.55am, 11.15am, 11.35am, 11.55am, 12.15pm, 12.35pm, 13.15pm, 13.35pm, The is pleased to This booklet gives you: 13.55pm, 14.15pm, 14.35pm, participate once more in Bristol Doors Times of free tours taking place at the 14.55pm, 15.15pm. Open Day 2013, a day when many of venues open today Tours also take place on the first Bristol’s significant contemporary and Short histories of the buildings Saturday and Wednesday of every month. historic buildings open their doors Notes on what to look out for while Information from Dave Skelhorne; to the general public. No advance you are visiting. tel: 0777 0265108 booking is required. email: [email protected] bristoldoorsopenday.org If you require additional support at any of The Entrance Hall, Reception Room and these events, such as wheelchair access or Library will all be open for free public The University is also hosting sign language interpretation, please contact viewing. Unfortunately because of the an Undergraduate Open Day on Diane Thorne; tel: +44 (0)117 331 8318, Undergraduate Open Day the Great Hall 14 September, which is open to email: [email protected], will not be open for public viewing. prospective applicants and their at the earliest opportunity. supporters for which advance booking A short history FREE ADMISSION is essential. George and Henry Wills of the Wills Tobacco bristol.ac.uk/opendays Company, who wanted to create a lasting memorial to their father, Henry Overton Wills Since the Wills Memorial Building will For further information about the III, paid for the Wills Memorial Building to The building be open for both events it is likely University’s participation in Bristol be built. Henry Overton Wills III’s pledge of The building was designed in 1912 by to be particularly busy but as part of Doors Open Day, contact: £100,000 in 1908 made the foundation of George Oatley (1863 -1950) who was Doors Open Day you are very welcome Centre for Public Engagement the University possible the following year. The knighted for his work. It was constructed to visit the building as well as the University of Bristol brothers wanted to give the new University an by the builders Henry Willcock & Co. of research exhibition in the Reception Senate House impressive main building on a conspicuous Wolverhampton and was one of the last Room. Volunteers will be on hand Tyndall Avenue site. The final bill came to £500,000. buildings in this country to be built using to answer any questions; and this Bristol, BS8 1TH wooden scaffolding. The First World War † brochure and signs indicate the areas T +44 (0)117 331 8313 Health and safety – unfortunately, children under held up construction of the building and age 8 are not allowed to go up the Tower. There are it was not until 9 June 1925 that King of the building which are open for E [email protected] more than 200 steps and some enclosed spaces. viewing. bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement When a tour coincides with Great George chiming the George V opened it. The building is now hour, disposable earplugs will be provided. Grade II* listed. Wills Memorial Building Queen’s Road, BS8 1RJ

Although to many Bristolians, the Wills and erected by a team of just seven men. WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR Memorial Building is the whole of the University, External restoration of the Queen’s Road today it only houses part of it: the School of elevation and Library is being carried out by Entrance Hall – ground floor Nick Simpson Earth Sciences and the University of Bristol Rowland Stonemasonry Ltd and is due for This is one of the most impressive rooms School of Law, together with their libraries. completion in late 2013. in the building and is 75 feet (or 23 metres) high. Notice the massive double staircases Restoration The Tower to the first floor and Gothic fan vaulting on In 2006, the Tower was subject to a The Tower, in the Gothic Perpendicular style, the ceiling. In the middle of the vaulting is £750,000 restoration, the main contractors is one of Bristol’s most prominent landmarks a decorative oak cover over the aperture for which were W. R. Bedford, Stonemasons. and is 215 feet (or 65.5 metres) high. where the bell, ‘Great George’, was hoisted This included cleaning the stonework, into the belfry. repainting the shields on the exterior and Great George installing discreet, energy-efficient floodlights The nine-and-a-half-ton bell at the top of the The original Founder’s Window lost its glass to illuminate it at night. Tower is known as ‘Great George’ after the in the Second World War and the existing architect, Sir George Oatley, King George V window is a new design showing the shields The scaffolding consisted of a network of and George Wills. Great George is the sixth of all the early supporters of the University. 9,000 steel tubes, which weighed a total largest bell in Britain and the largest bell that of 300 tons and which, if laid end to end, can be rung by hand. The bell’s note is E-flat Library – first floor would run for 56 kilometres. There were and it was the deepest-toned in the UK A bust of the architect of the building, Sir Centenary garden also 90 tons of scaffold boards equivalent when it was made. It is now usually struck George Oatley, can be found near the entrance Outside the building is the Centenary garden, to 50 lorry-loads of materials, all handled externally between 7am and 11pm. to the library. The oldest part of the library a public space designed by Anne de Verteuil is 100 feet (or 30.5 metres) long and has a in celebration of the University’s centenary beautiful 16th-century style plaster ceiling. in 2009.

HANDS-ON Research chemistry to systems thinking. Come Research exhibition, 10am to 4pm and explore how chemical analysis can Reception Room, Wills Memorial help us reveal secrets from the past, Building experiment how bees communicate with flowers using electric fields, learn Get a taste of the research that goes how to address complex problems on at the University by visiting our with systems thinking and join us on a interactive exhibition in the Reception journey from the world of the audible Room of the Wills Memorial Building. sound to the hidden world of ultrasound. We have exhibits showcasing hands-on Take the opportunity to talk to our activities, from sound and engineering researchers, uncover new insights, and to the biology of insects and from make your own discoveries. Theatre Collection 21 Park Row, BS1 5LY

Guided tours A short history of the building The building is constructed into the hillside, There are no guided tours but Theatre The Vandyck Building was constructed in and has a partial ground floor, limited to the Collection staff will be on hand throughout 1911-1912 to house the Vandyck Printers front part of the building. The main printing the day to answer questions about the Limited. It was one of a number of printing works were on the first and second floors building and the Theatre Collection. There businesses located on Park Row in the (although nothing now remains of the works). will be an opportunity to preview the Theatre early twentieth century. The building is An extension to the rear was completed Collection’s new exhibition, ‘The Secret Life constructed from Pennant stone in the Arts in 1920. In 1964, the company sold the of Objects’, and talk to the curators. Please and Craft style. It was designed by Mowbray building to the University of Bristol and the note that only the publicly accessible parts Aston Green (1866-1946). Green had also Drama Department moved into the building of the building occupied by the Theatre designed an earlier, neighbouring printing in March 1968. Collection will be open. works for E. W. Savory, fine art publishers, in 1905. About the Theatre Collection The Theatre Collection is an accredited museum and one of the world’s largest archives of British theatre and Live Art. Founded in 1951 to serve the country’s first Drama Department, it is now an The building today internationally renowned research facility open to all. Exhibition The collections cover all aspects of theatre The Theatre Collection also has a small Collection University of Bristol Theatre history and visitors include everyone from exhibition area in which a regularly changing international scholars to family historians. selection from its holdings is displayed. Alongside a large archive and museum On Doors Open Day visitors will have the collection, which is mostly stored off site, opportunity to preview ‘The Secret Life the Theatre Collection’s resources include a of Objects’, the Theatre Collection’s new library of over 20,000 books and more than exhibition, which explores the hidden 200 journal titles. Facilities for researchers histories lying behind some of the most include a reading room and a viewing room interesting objects in the collection. for AV material.

The Theatre Collection continues to grow and reflect all aspects of British theatre and performance.

Left: Vandyck Building and crowd on the occasion of a visit to Bristol by King George V and Queen Mary on 28 June 1912, one month before the completion of the building. Royal Fort House off Tyndall Avenue, BS8 1UJ

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR The Staircase Hall Thomas Stocking’s rococo stucco work Entrance Hall on the walls On the walls, four decorative brackets The Edwardian chandelier, hanging over whose original purpose was to carry the staircase lamps (note their representation of the The floor surface, made up of two four seasons) coloured slate and stone. The 18th-century brass floor heating inlets can still be seen. The Library Currently used as a meeting room with The Dining Room (facing the front views on to the lake and gardens. entrance door) Stocking’s fine ceiling (note his handling The Drawing/Withdrawing Rooms of the cornice) Ceiling by Stocking; the pineapple leaves Guided tours Thomas Tyndall lived at Royal Fort House Paty’s (probably) Quebec pine carving on in the ceiling boss are made of lead • There will be free guided tours at 10am, for about 30 years until his death in 1790 the walls The carved heads on either side of the 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm when Thomas Tyndall II inherited the Vigorous design of the door surround fireplace are probably those of Thomas • Places are limited and are on a first come, building. Unfortunately the latter was unable The small painting in the carving of Tyndall and his wife first served basis. to prevent the sale, in 1791, of many of the the door surround is attributed to Over the fireplace is a piece of 18th- surrounding acres to a syndicate, though Michael Edkins. century wallpaper. A short history the land reverted to the Tyndalls in 1798. Thomas Tyndall, who built Royal Fort House The Tyndalls lived at Royal Fort House until on the site of the old Royalist Fort, leased 1916 when it was sold to the University. the land from Bristol Corporation in 1737, and for some years continued to buy up The building the leases of more of the surrounding land. James Bridges began work on Royal Fort The family’s wealth had been acquired over House by preparing a wooden model many years through trade with Africa and the that can still be seen in the House today. West Indies. The architect, James Bridges, In the design and building of the House, who had come from the American Colonies Bridges collaborated with Thomas Paty* and set up his premises on St Michael’s Hill, who did both the stone carving and rococo was commissioned by Thomas Tyndall to woodcarving, and with Thomas Stocking** prepare designs for a new house at Royal who did the decorative rococo plaster work. Fort. The building was eventually finished in The mason who was responsible for the approximately 1761. Bridges is known as the stonework is thought to be Robert Gray who designer of the original Bristol Bridge. had done other work for Bridges.

* Paty worked in Bristol as an architect and carver, designing many Clifton houses. **Stocking was the City’s best-known plaster worker with an international reputation. Staircase Entrance Hall Clifton Hill House Lower Clifton Hill, BS8 1BX

Stevenson, Henry James and Edward Lear. conferences, civil ceremonies and special We know that The Owl and the Pussy Cat events in the restored rooms. Sarah Whittingham was written for Symonds’s eldest daughter, Janet. WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

It is worth noting that Symonds had been Reception rooms and main staircase instrumental in the founding of Bristol There are some remarkable rococo ceiling University College and how pleased the carvings by local craftsman Joseph family was when the house was finally sold Thomas in the reception rooms and the to the University in 1909 for £5,500, and main staircase – the first cantilever stone became the first hall of residence for women staircase in Bristol. The design of Clifton in the South West of England. Hill House appears in Isaac Ware’s book A Complete Body of Architecture of 1756. A permanent exhibition with family photographs and memorabilia can now be The garden seen in the Symonds Library. The main garden at Clifton Hill House follows a traditional patte d’oie design. Its Guided tours Hill House appears in Isaac Ware’s book Clifton Hill House main garden, of a layout has not changed much since the There are no guided tours but staff will be A Complete Body of Architecture of 1756. traditional patte d’oie design, the layout of 18th century and it is home to several on hand throughout the day to answer There are some remarkable rococo ceiling which has not changed greatly since the rare tulip trees, the oldest of which was questions about the building. carvings by the local craftsman Joseph eighteenth century, boasts several rare tulip planted for Paul Fisher over 250 years ago. Thomas, in the reception rooms and the trees. The oldest was planted for Paul Fisher A short history main staircase. (The first stone cantilevered over 250 years ago. Clifton Hill House was built between 1746 staircase in Bristol). and 1750 as a most imposing semi-rural Callander House is an eighteenth-century mansion of Palladian inspiration for Paul In 1851, Clifton Hill House was bought by adjacent house that was bought for £4,000 Martin Chainey Fisher, a highly successful linen draper, a Dr John Addington Symonds, a well-known by the University in 1911, also from the very wealthy merchant and ship-owner Bristol physician who was famous not only Symonds family. It was extended in the who participated in the slave trade of the for his medical proficiency but also for his gift 1920s, mainly thanks to the generosity of the time. However, he was described by his at entertaining the literary and artistic élite of Wills family. A new dining room was created contemporaries as a benevolent man his time. on the site of the Stables and is now known and a great benefactor for the poor of the as the Wills Reception Room. community. He was most prominent in the When Dr Symonds died in 1871, the foundation of the Bristol Infirmary in 1735. house passed to his son, John Addington In 1909, Clifton Hill House was opened as Symonds, the poet, historian, literary and art a “Women’s Hostel”, accommodating 15 At the height of his wealth, Paul Fisher critic. Though his work is little read today, young ladies. It is now a popular mixed hall employed Isaac Ware, the Palladian architect he was a leading participant in the literary of residence, housing a lively community and designer of national renown and protégé culture of his time, an early enthusiast of some 230 students from the University of Lord Burlington. The design of Clifton of Whitman and a friend of Robert Louis of Bristol. It is also well known for hosting Bristol Heart Institute Bristol Royal Infirmary, BS2 8HW (open from 10am to 2pm)

Designed in partnership with patients, staff The BHI opened its doors to patients in May and the public, the Bristol Heart Institute 2009. Funded by the Department of Health, (BHI) provides a full range of diagnostic and this state-of-the-art £60 million centre brings University Hospitals Bristol interventional treatments for heart conditions cardiology and cardiac surgery services, as to the people of Bristol, the South West well as cardiac imaging and research under and beyond. The BHI is one of a number one roof, allowing staff to provide seamless of hospital sites run by University Hospitals care for heart patients. In an average year, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol), around 1,700 heart operations are carried and is linked directly to the Bristol Royal out, 4,000 cardiology procedures performed, Infirmary Queen’s Building. Clinical staff and 16,500 outpatients are treated at the BHI. who care for patients in this building work in partnership with colleagues from the The surgery facility consists of three University of Bristol on a range of research dedicated cardiac surgery operating theatres projects. as well as a further hybrid theatre. The facility

RESEARCH Research in the area of cardiovascular disease is very much at the heart of is supported by 38 ward beds and a critical The BHI has received several awards the University Hospitals Bristol NHS care area of 24 beds, where post-operative for its innovative design and patient Foundation Trust vision and strategy, care is provided by a team led by 13 environment, including a prestigious Building and the opening of the BHI has consultant anaesthetists in association with Better Healthcare award for Best Use of helped the Trust to further develop its specialist intensive care nurses. Visual Art in Healthcare, a 2009 blue plaque research into cardiovascular disease. from the Bristol Civic Society’s Environmental Research at the BHI has also been The cardiology department has an extensive Awards and the Royal Institute of British greatly enhanced by its designation outpatient area, with room for consultations Architects Ibstock Premier Award and Best as a National Institute for Health and one-stop clinics offering echo and Public Sector Building. The building was Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research electrocardiography (ECG), chest X-rays officially opened by HRH Princess Anne in Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine. The and pacemaker checks, as well as exercise October 2009. NIHR Biomedical Research Unit is a ECG and ambulatory ECG monitoring. The partnership between the Trust and the three catheter laboratories include rooms for The design of the building includes a University of Bristol, enabling some angiography and angioplasty with facilities tree-lined atrium to provide a welcoming and of our best health researchers and for intravascular ultrasound, along with a calm space for patients. A self-guided tour clinicians to work together. The BHI has dedicated electrophysiology laboratory with will be available with the opportunity to view a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conventional and elector-spatial mapping some clinical areas. facility which has been up and running facilities. All labs are linked via an advanced for over two years, and which produces audiovisual system. There is a large coronary There will be information stands in the main valuable research. care unit, a day-case unit and there are 34 atrium and mini talks by staff are planned at

University Hospitals Bristol inpatient beds. regular intervals throughout the day. Forthcoming events Map

TALKS

4 October: Bristol Poetry Institute: Sir Andrew Motion, The Customs House. A new collection from the former Poet Laureate, Sir Andrew Motion. 6pm, Wills Memorial Building, Queen’s Road, BS8 1RJ. Admission free, but booking is required in advance at: bristol.ac.uk/pace/public-events/sirandrewmotion.html

11 October: A life in neuroscience: from brain mechanisms to public policy. 7pm, Victoria Rooms, BS8 1SA. Admission free, but booking is required in advance at: bristol.ac.uk/neuroscience/events/diary/2013/101365.html

21 November: Urban pollinators. 6pm, M Shed, BS1 4RN. Admission free, but booking 5 is required in advance at: bristol.ac.uk/twilight-talks

28 November: The green death and other necessities: a beginner’s guide to sustainable health care 3 6pm, Watershed, BS1 5TX. Admission free, but booking is required in advance at: bristol.ac.uk/twilight-talks

1 FESTIVALS 2 11-12 October: Bristol Neuroscience Festival Bristol Neuroscience celebrates its 10 year anniversary with interactive hands-on activities

L and experiments, a series of neuroscience talks and exhibitions of current research IL H N O T IF L C projects. The event will include a special exhibit from At-Bristol. Suitable for all ages. 4 R

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2-16 November: Festival Fortnight at the University of Bristol Join us for a fortnight of public debates, workshops, performance, talks and exhibitions with our exciting festival programmes, presented by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law and the Faculty of Arts.

2-9 November: Thinking Futures Key Hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law. bristol.ac.uk/thinking-futures Access to the Bristol Heart Institute is via Horfield Road off 1 Wills Memorial Building St Michael’s Hill. Walk up Horfield Road passing the Bristol 2 Theatre Collection 10-16 November: InsideArts Haematology and Oncology Centre and the temporary hording, 3 Royal Fort House then bear right and walk down the slope. The Bristol Heart Hosted by the Faculty of Arts. bristol.ac.uk/inside-arts 4 Clifton Hill House Institute will be straight in front of you; follow the road around to the right and the entrance will be immediately on your left. 5 Bristol Heart Institute For a full listing of forthcoming events see: bristol.ac.uk/events Wills Memorial Building Address

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You can contact us: by email: [email protected] you can also leave a comment on our blog: centreforpublicengagement.blogspot.com follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cpe_bristol or simply telephone us on: +44 (0) 117 331 8318

We’d love to hear from you.

Centre for Public Engagement University of Bristol Senate House Tyndall Avenue Bristol BS8 1TH

T +44 (0)117 331 8313 E [email protected] bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement

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