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The Shakespeare Centre, The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's headquarters, library and archive in Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon has been listed at Grade II by the Tourism and Heritage Minister.

English Heritage recommended the building be listed for a number of reasons. It is culturally significant due to its connection with the heritage of William Shakespeare, being the headquarters of the International Shakespeare Society and The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which holds the Shakespeare archive and library as part of the Centre's collection.

Roger Bowdler, Head of Designation, said: “English Heritage recommended The Shakespeare Centre to be listed by virtue of the quality of its design and execution. We felt that due to the exceptional quality and extent of its artistic embellishment and its internationally important cultural connection with the heritage of William Shakespeare that it deserved to be listed at Grade II*, nonetheless, we are delighted that the building has been given recognition by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport listing it at Grade II.”

Architecturally The Shakespeare Centre is of special interest with its deftly-handled concrete-framed building of 1962-4 designed by Laurence Williams, which is of particularly high quality in design and construction. It forms a bold contrast to the medieval timber framed building (Shakespeare's Birthplace) to which it stands adjacent and with which it forms a group.

The detailing and finishing of the building is of a very high quality, with good materials, design and craftsmanship employed in every detail. Also the quality and extent of the artistic embellishment of the building, which includes life-sized engraved glass figures from Shakespeare by John Hutton, sculpture by Douglas Wain-Hobson, and carved timber work by Nicolete Gray and John Skelton, increases the building's special interest.

Inside the fitted furniture, specifically designed by Gordon Russell, remains in the Conference Room and throughout the building and the building remains almost completely unaltered since its completion, and continues to function in its original use.

Further information from Katharine Grice or Eleanor Kenny in the English Heritage press office on 020 7973 3293 or 020 7973 3251 or email Katharine.grice@english-heritage.org.uk or Eleanor.kenny@english-heritage.org.uk

Issued on behalf of English Heritage by COI West Midlands

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