Join us for the second of our South Conservation Group 2025 in-person events for a tour of The Jackson Library, Exeter College, University of Oxford with Alan Dempsey, Director from Nex.
This is a sensitive but bold refurbishment of George Gilbert Scott's 1850s new-Gothic library, with a reworked floor plan including additions of a cantilevered mezzanine, new stairs, roof lights, and much more.
This light filled, upgraded space is loved by its daily users and is the winning project of multiple RIBA South Awards in 2025, including the Conservation Award, Project Architect of the Year secured by Joe Dent from Nex, Building of the Year, and a UK Regional Award - this opportunity is one not to be missed.
About our speaker
Alan Dempsey is the founding Director of the Nex, where he leads the studio’s strategic direction, design vision and client engagement. The studio's work focuses on cultural, educational, workplace and hospitality projects, often within sensitive and historic contexts.
Alan is committed to architecture that creates meaningful connections between buildings, the public realm and the natural environment. He is particularly interested in the design of public space, aiming to create places that are both generous and contextually grounded. Nex's completed buildings have been recognised by RIBA, the Architecture Foundation, BD Architect of the Year Awards, the Civic Trust Awards, D&AD, Architect’s Journal Awards, and New London Architecture. Alan is a RIBA Chartered Conservation Architect and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a former Board Trustee of the Chelsea Physic Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Britain.
Agenda
2:45pm to 3pm: Registration (meeting place TBC)
3pm to 4pm: Talk
4pm to 4:30pm: Group 1 tour of the Jackson Library
4:30pm to 5pm: Group 2 tour of the Jackson Library
From 4:30pm: Light refreshments
Limited tickets available; book now to avoid disappointment.
Accessibility
We strive to ensure our events are accessible for all. Occasionally, our off-site visits may involve steps and uneven terrain- please contact us at riba.sse@riba.org to discuss the route for specific tours and events.
