The Library Gardens
Oldham’s original library, museum and art gallery opened in 1883. Today it is known as the JR Clynes Building. This adjacent public park first opened in 1885 and was restored and landscaped in 2025. On this page you can find out about the Library Gardens as well as discover more about some features of the original building.
Iron railings
The perimeter railings to the Old Library building are made of cast iron and were manufactured by Walter Macfarlane & Co at the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow. This company was one of the largest manufacturers of cast iron goods in Great Britain. The railing profile is noted within their sixth edition catalogue as reference No 375.
Carved in stone
If you look up at the west and east walls of the building you can see carved portraits of several historical figures set into roundels. The choices include artists, musicians, authors and engineers. These were intended to show the opportunities available inside to visit art exhibitions or access publications on a wide range of subjects.
The stone carvings are of high quality and reflect the use of high-quality materials and workmanship that was present in the building. They also reflect the hierarchies and assumptions of Victorian England. All the choices are men!