See the past
Arkwright
The original Arkwright building was built between 1877 and 1881 by Lockwood and Mawson, a prominent Yorkshire architectural practice. The foundation stone was laid on 27 September 1877 by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Alderman Bowers. This occasion marked first usage of the term ‘University College’, a significant date in view of future aspirations. The College was opened on 2 July 1881 by the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Leopold, the Duke of Albany.
The author DH Lawrence began his studies at University College Nottingham at the age of 21, having saved the required £20 fee to enrol on a full-time degree course.
A bombing raid in 1941 destroyed large parts of the Arkwright building, but it was restored to its former glory after the war and was granted status as a listed building in 1972.
Newton
The Newton building was the architectural response to rapidly expanding student numbers in an optimistic post-war climate for British higher education, with construction taking from 1956 to 1958. It was designed by Thomas Cecil Howitt, the most prolific and versatile Nottingham architect of the first half of the 20th Century, and one of the most prominent provincial English architects of his generation.
In April 1998, the Newton building was handed a very special 40th anniversary present when it was given a Grade II* listing; recognised by the Government as one of England’s architectural gems.
Reproduced courtesy of Nottingham City Council and Picture the past
