Old Shepherd’s Bush Library

Old Shepherd’s Bush Library stands on Uxbridge Road in Shepherd’s Bush, west London. It was built in 1895 with money from the journalist and philanthropist Passmore Edwards. Designed by Maurice Bingham Adams, the building originally housed a public library. In 2008 a new library opened nearby and the old one closed. In 2011 it reopened as the Bush Theatre. Passmore Edwards funded many libraries in the late 19th century to improve education for working people. He believed good architecture would help Britain compete globally. The foundation stone was laid by Edwards himself on 4 July 1895. The library was opened the following year by Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery. At the time Shepherd’s Bush was still open land being developed for London’s suburbs. Visitors now find a theatre inside the old library building. The Bush Theatre presents new plays and work by emerging writers. The building is protected as a Building of Merit by the local council. Outside, Uxbridge Road remains busy with shops and traffic. Inside, the theatre’s stage and seating have replaced the shelves and reading rooms.