|

Town Hall, Leeds
Architect: Cuthbert Broderick (1852-1858)
Photograph: E. Smith (1969)
Source: RIBA British Architectural Library Photographs Collection

Although we often think of Victorian architecture as synonymous with the Gothic Revival, it should be remembered that other styles remained popular. Many architects switched easily between Gothic and Classical, as required. Indeed, many of the finest buildings of the early Victorian period were in fact Classical, for example the brilliant St George’s Hall, Liverpool (1839), Euston Station, London (1833-49), and Leeds Town Hall (1852-8).

A competition for a new town hall for Leeds was held in 1851. It was won by a then unknown architect, Cuthbert Brodrick, who had recently studied in Paris. This is evident in the building’s peculiar mix of sources, its design based on Parisian Neo-Classical public buildings, with a good dash of English Baroque. It was much admired at the time, and became a model for municipal buildings throughout the North, and the Empire.

This photograph by Edwin Smith reveals the majesty of Brodrick’s design. The wide colonnade casts deep shadows; the proud clock tower thrusts into the sky, heavy with sculptural ornament; and above all the giant clock-faces tell the citizens of Leeds times for work and play.