Curiosities of the Building: The Dome

Pressing the buzzer and then climbing the stairs, you are all the while wondering what could possibly be at the top. But you never expect the dome. Its impression on first-time visitors is always the same, Wow!

The domed ceiling at the Portico is one of its most striking features. It creates a sense of light and of space and adds to the realisation that you have just entered somewhere special.

The dome was part of the original building  though at that time it was done with plain glass. It was in 1856 that the stained glass panels were fitted. Records show that some members feared that the removal of plain glass would result in a darker library which was a fair point in the times of candle power!  Eventually the windows facing Charlotte Street were installed and although the Library can be dark on an early winter afternoon, today it only adds to the cosy atmosphere. 

The stained glass panels in the dome contain 8 coats of arms.  We have managed to identify 7 of these: Salford, Manchester, England, Scotland, Ireland, the Diocese of Manchester, and the Duchy of Lancaster. 

The final coat of arms is that of the Duchy of Lancaster in the centre of an orange Maltese cross on a blue background. If there are any heraldry experts reading this - we welcome your expertise in identifying it!