Some of the University’s finest architectural and historic buildings, many of which are not normally open to the general public, will be open to view this weekend [11 September] as part of Bristol Doors Open Day.
Now in its seventeenth year and part of the national Doors Open Day initiative, the event invites the public to take a look inside a number of the city’s most interesting buildings.
This year, the University’s Centre for Public Engagement has arranged for the Wills Memorial Building, Royal Fort House, the School of Chemistry and Clifton Hill House to be opened. As well as a chance for the public to take tours of the buildings, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the teaching and research that goes on within them through a series of interactive exhibits highlighting some of the latest University research.
Wills Memorial Building
One of the city’s landmark buildings, the Wills Memorial Building was designed in 1912 by Sir George Oatley and was one of the last magnificent Gothic buildings constructed in England.
As well as an opportunity for the public to take a tour to the top of the 215-foot, Grade II* listed tower, visitors will also be able to meet some of the researchers from the Department of Earth Sciences to find out about their discoveries, ranging from volcanoes to continent formation and dinosaurs.
Tour times: 10.15 am, 10.35 am, 10.55 am, 11.15 am, 11.35 am, 11.55 am, 12.15 pm, 12.35 pm, 13.15 pm, 13.35 pm, 13.55 pm, 14.15 pm, 14.35 pm, 14.55 pm, 15.15 pm. Tours to the top of the tower must be booked in advance at the first floor reception desk on the day. Unfortunately, tours are not open to children under eight.
Royal Fort House
Royal Fort House, one of the finest Georgian houses in Bristol and rarely open to the public, was designed by James Bridges for wealthy merchant Thomas Tyndall and completed in 1761. The house, which has outstanding Rococo plasterwork, public artwork and gardens, is situated on the site of a Civil War fort, named the Royal Fort in honour of Prince Rupert.
As well as tours of the building, visitors will also have the chance to watch a series of short films and a photographic exhibition exploring the motivation behind mathematical research.
Tour times: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm.
School of Chemistry
The School of Chemistry is housed in two large, purpose-designed buildings which includes the Synthetic Chemistry Building. The facilities are not only among the finest university chemistry research facilities but rival the best industrial standards internationally.
Visitors will be able to see some of the latest developments in resources for teaching, such as the interactive on-line Dynamic Laboratory Manual, intended to help students with chemistry practical work.
Tours: 12 pm, 12.30 pm, 1 pm, 1.30 pm, 2 pm, 2.30 pm, 3 pm, 3.30 pm
Clifton Hill House
Clifton Hill House was built around 1747 as a semi-rural mansion of Palladian inspiration for Bristol merchant and shipowner, Paul Fisher. The house was once the home of Victorian writer John Addington Symonds. It is now used for functions and meetings all year round and boasts elegant Georgian reception rooms, a print gallery and foyer. There are no guided tours but staff will be on hand to answer all questions about the building.
Further information about the event is available on the Centre for Public Engagement website or by contacting Diane Thorne, tel 0117 331 8318, email diane.thorne@bristol.ac.uk.
More information is available on the Bristol Doors Open Day website.