Author: CROUCH Henry A (architect), WEBSTER Geo. (surveyor)
Title: Estimate for the Erection and Completion of The Free Library at Malvern for the Urban District Council
Description: London, unpublished private papers 1904 c. 64pp notebook, tables of figures with hand annotations, several relevant drawings from contemporary publications loosely inserted. 33x22, half bound calf over textured boards, marbled eps Wear to the spine and edges, contents very good. A unique item: the fully detailed surveyor's estimate for Crouch's design for the new library at Malvern. The original funding came from a donation from Andrew Carnegie of £5000, with the proviso that a site was found by the local authority. This was donated by Sir Henry Foley Lambert Grey who was the office of High Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1901. In order to improve the range of facilities in the building - and to have 'better fittings' - and an additional donation of £3000 was made by a local benefactor, C W Dyson Perrins.Crouch and Webster's estimate was £6610 exactly (after an additional cost for walnut was added in pencil at the end - presumably this was part of the 'better fittings'); it would be interesting to know if that's what the eventual bill was.The library is still in use, having been modernised in the 1960s and various other council services added more recently. The building is Grade II listed.Crouch was also the architect for the Carnegie-funded Hackney Library, two images of which are included here. His career began in Melbourne in Australia, and after practicising in London from 1892 to about 1909 he appears to have relocated to Bengal before retiring in around 1925 (RIBA Directory of British Architects 1834-1914, British Architectural Library).

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