Barr Smith Library, The University of Adelaide

The Barr Smith Library is of high historical significance as the direct lineal descendant of the first library established by the University of Adelaide (the State's first university) in 1882, and for its long association with the Barr Smith family, a prominent and successful South Australian family whose interest and philanthropy was largely responsible for its development. The building is also of high architectural significance. Largely intact despite extensive later additions, the 1930-32 building is an uncommon and good example of the monumental library design concept in use in Australia, and is the most outstanding representative in the State of the Georgian Revival architectural style, particularly as applied to academic buildings. In its masterly architectural composition, grand scale and classically detailed interior it eloquently expresses the traditionalist design philosophy and skills of its architect, Walter Hervey Bagot, a prominent and professionally active South Australian architect, and is considered to be his finest work in the style. The exceptional quality of the workmanship applied to its construction further enhances the building's architectural significance. The highly enriched Reading Room, with its monumental volume and its vaulted and gilded ceiling, is one of very few grandly-scaled, classically-detailed architectural interiors in Adelaide, and thought to be the largest vaulted one. [Adapted from: Bruce Harry & Associates 'The Historic Barr Smith Library Building Conservation Plan' July 2000.]

Listing Information

• Date of Listing: 23 September 1982

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