My recent visit to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) was both enlightening and thought-provoking. This was my first experience of the SPAB archives, and my objective was to uncover valuable insights into the history and significance of the Bath Assembly Rooms during the SPAB’s vital restoration work of the 1930s. The works were completed under the guidance of renowned architect Mowbray Green, and addressed decades of neglect whilst preserving the building's architectural integrity. Charlie and Fergus—both SPAB Scholars—had visited the archives many times before, so they sent me on my way to look for the infamous red door at 37 Spital Square, London.
Upon entering the SPAB office, I was struck by the sense of history that filled the space, surrounded by books and documents detailing centuries of architectural practice. The Assembly Rooms project archive housed an array of correspondence, requests for rent from the occupying shop owners along the North colonnades, historic photographs, and proposals that illustrated the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Assembly Rooms and the challenges of maintaining their integrity.
While navigating the discussions and documentation during this period, I found myself momentarily entangled in local gossip, with one bold individual presenting napkin sketches for what they felt would be a more appropriate new entrance. This spontaneous creativity contrasted sharply with another’s critical remarks about their dislike for a local business, revealing the complex interplay of opinions that often accompanies architectural discussions and changes. These exchanges served as reminders of the human element inherent in our work; we are not just custodians of building fabric but participants in a continuous community narrative.
The archive search revealed sectional details of a new colonnade to the southeast, confirming our suspicions about the late addition, as well as early dressed stone in the southwest lightwell, indicative of the original craftsmanship that defines the building’s character. Through careful examination of the documents, it became evident that many challenges faced in the past resonate with those we confront today. For instance, the correspondence surrounding proposals to remove organic additions, such as the billiard rooms, highlighted ongoing debates about the balance between functionality and aesthetics. The foresight of past architects against such changes is still relevant, as we seek to find uses for the long, narrow corridors that were also a subject of concern prior to the billiard rooms' removal.
As I delved deeper into the tapestry of the Assembly Rooms’ history, I was reminded of the many hands that have shaped its narrative over the years. Each intervention, whether beneficial or detrimental, has contributed to the building’s evolving identity. The conversations that transpired today mirrored those held by stakeholders in previous decades, reinforcing the notion that the Assembly Rooms have always been a focal point of community engagement and cultural significance.
Ultimately, our role today is to honour the past while adding a new layer, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the significance of the Assembly Rooms. As I reflect further on this visit and note the stage we are at in the project, I am filled with a sense of purpose and responsibility. The Assembly Rooms are not merely a collection of walls and ceilings; they are a living testament to the community’s values and aspirations of the City of Bath—UNESCO World Heritage Centre—and I am excited to contribute to that legacy.
Joe
