Barry Buildings

Restoring an iconic landmark

The College’s Grade II star listed Barry Buildings are an iconic landmark built in 1869 as part of Charles Barry Junior's design for a New College. Barry’s design was unique and exceptional at the time for its eclectic style which he referred to as ‘North Italianate of the Thirteenth Century’. Barry was awarded a gold medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects with the New College in Dulwich cited along with some of his other major works.

External work

The stonework and terracotta of the Centre Block was in a critical state and in urgent need of restoration. Immediate work was needed to make it safe and restore the original terracotta. At the same time its external stonework and the two facades of the North Block have been cleaned and refurbished to protect and maintain the fabric of the building. The works were essential and unavoidable as part of the College’s custodial responsibility for the preservation of this important architecture.

Internal work

Dulwich was the first public school to have a dedicated hall for assemblies with all teaching directed towards the classrooms. The 40 classrooms of the Barry Buildings were neglected for some years and became tired and in need of restoration. A phased process is now underway to restore these rooms to their original character and update them with technology as spaces appropriate for teaching in the 21st Century. The project will be phased by department to enable teaching to continue whilst ensuring continuity of works and delivering restored classrooms in a suitable timescale.

For further information, please contact the Development Office on +44 (0)20 8299 5335 or email on development@dulwich.org.uk