Description:
The Cockerell Building, designed by C.R. Cockerell in 1834, is the only completed wing of a grand scheme intended to house the University Library, a museum and offices for University administration. The wing lacked a suitable entrance and staircase until 1904 when the needs of the Library led to expansion into the adjacent Old Schools Building. In 1934 completion of a new University Library building released the Cockerell to house the University's Law and History Libraries. This move allowed the architect Murray Easton to rationalize the interior and clear accumulated clutter. The balance of the original first floor space was lost as the original bookcases were remodeled, study rooms were created and galleries reformed. The basement was extensively remodeled and new staircases formed down to it. Continuing pressure on accommodation led to further changes, particularly the introduction of two ground floor mezzanines and their access staircases in the 1960's. By 1995 the Cockerell had again reached saturation point, causing the University to move the Law Library to another site and to vacate the building. It was acquired by Gonville and Caius College to house its two libraries, archive and computer centre. This has provided the opportunity for repair and refurbishment, improvements to circulation and access, and re-arrangement to reinstate the clarity of Cockerell's original concept, whilst at the same time discretely introducing computer and security systems, and renewing heating and electricity installations.