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OPENING THE ARCHIVES OF LEICESTER’S HISTORY
ARCHIVES OF LEICESTER’S FAMED ARCHITECT, JOSEPH GODDARD TO BE MADE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME
Exhibition open to the public for five days only—
11 April: 2pm-4pm
12 April from 11am-8pm
13, 14, 15 April 11am-4pm
Exhibition held at 31 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6EJ
Unseen original drawings and paintings of Leicester’s most famous landmarks by eminent Victorian architect Joseph Goddard are to be displayed in public for the first time in history on 11 April 2018, to mark his 172th birthday. The exhibition will take in the iconic former bank building, currently owned by ISKCON, at 31 Granby Street.
Joseph Goddard designed some of Leicester’s most famous landmarks, including the Clock Tower, the Thomas Cook offices, and 31 Granby Street, the impressive former Midland bank building. Hundreds of bound books were donated to ISKCON in 2017 by the great grandsons of Goddard and now the exhibition will feature samples of original drawings and designs by the architect.
The exhibition also launches of the Friends of Goddard crowd fund Roof Appeal. Historic England placed the former bank on its ‘buildings at risk’ register in 2010. Last year they said the condition of the roof has worsened significantly for the risk to be increased to ‘Poor’. This poses a serious threat of closure as the roof is in desperate need of repair at a cost of over £500,000 which must be raised this year to save it from being permanently damaged.
Friends of Goddard aim to raise £100,000 towards the overall fundraising target. The Roof Appeal invites people to Sponsor a Slate (or more) for £10.
Further details of the appeal are on www.friendsofgoddard.org
Tony Goddard, great-grandson of Joseph Goddard said:
“It is an absolute travesty that the crowning jewel of my great-grandfather’s design is at risk of permanent closure – it will be a great loss not only to Leicester, but to the architectural world if this building cannot be saved.”
Pradip Gajjar, President of ISKCON Leicester said:
“Joseph Goddard’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Leicester, and we are honoured to be able to call this incredible building our home. However it is under dire risk and threat of closure if we cannot come together to raise funds to replace the roof. I’m appealing to everyone to get behind our campaign and sponsor a slate today and help secure the future of this magnificent building.”
The exhibition runs from 11-15 April 2018. Entry is free.
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