Explore University of Leicester’s distinctive buildings and Sue Townsend treasures
The Engineering Building.
The public will have the chance to examine treasures from the Sue Townsend archive and explore the University of Leicester’s characterful buildings on Saturday 14 September.
Guided walks taking in the varied architecture of the campus will take place alongside a variety of family friendly activities in the David Wilson Library and across the site, in University Road.
The free events have been organised by the University’s Heritage Hub as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days annual festival.
The Discover Heritage event in the David Wilson Library runs from 11am to 4pm will provide visitors with an opportunity to see some of the treasures of the University’s collections, from medieval manuscripts to the archives of Joe Orton and Sue Townsend. Historical recipe books will also be on display, and the East Midlands Oral History Archive team will be on hand to explain how it is bringing the region’s sound heritage to new audiences.
Visitors of all ages can explore Roman Leicester in a dig pit, have a go at craft activities, learn about Servandus and his stolen cloak and try writing their own curse tablet.
Also on show throughout the day will be exhibitions of artwork by Pierre Ngon A Mbara representing African Small Businesses, and Frank Davey depicting Leicester landmarks. There will also be a chance to see a Student Life at Leicester exhibition featuring stories from the University Archives.
Visitors can view war memorials and associated materials from the collection at All Saints’ Church, Leicester, thanks to the At Risk War Memorials Project project team, who will be on hand. There will also be memorials to Leicester’s Boy Scouts and the City’s Dyers and Scourers Association.
Two campus architecture tours, meanwhile, will run from midday and 2pm, and people must book their place in advance via the website.
The campus is notable for the range and importance of its architecture. The oldest building, the imposing Fielding Johnson Building, was built in the 1830s as the Leicestershire and Rutland Lunatic Asylum. Towering above the old asylum are three distinctive buildings from the 1960s: the Engineering Building, the Attenborough Tower and the Charles Wilson building.
Designed by James Stirling and James Gowan, the Engineering Building it has been described as one of the 10 most inspiring buildings in Britain.
This guided walk is considered easy and covers less than 1km. Walkers should meet outside the front door of the Fielding Johnson Building (opposite the lawn), near Entrance 1 to the University. Please arrive 10 minutes early for registration.
This walk is suitable for wheelchair users. Children and families are welcome on the tour.