Hello readers, as The Stratford Artist my favourite subjects are the historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon. A few years ago, I started a project to draw and paint all the town's structures that are on Historic England's "listed buildings" schedule. There are over 350 in the town centre alone of which I have dealt with 60 or so.

To add unique interest to my work I do a little research into the history of each building looking for a quirky story, be it fact or fable, which I then illustrate with my little characters.

This is number ten in a series of articles featuring a picture and story from my historic buildings collection. I hope you like it.

The Public Library

The establishment of a free public library in Stratford fills many pages of local history books. I will try to tell the story in a shortened version.

The 1902-5 controversy was centred on Henley Street. Scots born American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was renowned for opening free libraries all around the world, over two thousand at the last count. Music lovers may know him best for Manhattan’s Carnegie Hall concert venue. The town council asked Carnegie to fund a library in Stratford. He agreed and the Henley Street site was selected. Four cottages and Birch's china shop were to be demolished. Archives indicated that the properties dated from the 16^th century and included at least two, now known as the Hornby Cottages, that had belonged to relatives of Shakespeare. So started possibly the first argument for the conservation of our heritage. The protest campaign drew in bodies such as the British Museum and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings together with famous actress Ellen Terry and, of course, writer Marie Corelli!

Miss Corelli travelled to London to meet Mr Carnegie and whilst she was away the council, starting at 5 o’clock in the morning, demolished two cottages. Fortuitously the demolition revealed original c16th timbers. After further discussions good sense prevailed and the final two cottages, the Hornby Cottages, were saved. They now house the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust gift shop. Birch's china shop was extensively restored as the new library. It was linked to the tall Victorian Technical School to form the complex which is now occupied by the Library and Registration Service including the Henley Room wedding venue.

My picture imagines the entertainer expecting a local “Carnegie Hall” only to find a library where SILENCE was the rule! Perhaps he'll get a wedding singer gig!

Originals or prints from my historic buildings collection are often available and I welcome commissions for portraits of your home or other favourite building. Email me at ken.morgan96@yahoo.com for details.

© Ken Morgan

Ken Morgan, aka The Stratford Artist, is a professional artist working from his studio close to the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon. His favourite subjects are the historic buildings and structures in and around his hometown. He works in ink and watercolour. Architectural accuracy is important, but his style brings life to the pictures, often helped by the addition of humorous or quirky characters.

Another thing...can you find the little blackbird which appears in all Ken's pictures?

See more of Ken Morgan's work on Instagram @thestratfordartist.