Wondering what secrets this building holds? This is The Livesey Building. It has a fascinating history. Commissioned in 1890 by George Livesey, it was intended as a library. It served the workers of the local gasworks. Later, it was entrusted to the people of the old parish of Camberwell. This area extended as far as North Dulwich.
The Livesey Building suffered bomb damage in the 1940s. The bomb aimed for the nearby gasworks but missed its target. Despite the damage, the library continued to serve the community.
All the books were moved to other libraries in 1966. Then in 1974, The Livesey Building was reborn. It became the Livesey Museum for Children. For many children, it was a much-loved place until 2008. The Livesey Museum was one of very few children’s museums in the United Kingdom. It presented a completely new hands-on exhibition every year. Each exhibition was suitable for children under 12. Admission was free. It was funded by Southwark Council.
Exhibitions explored themes like Shelter and Energy. Myths and Legends were also explored. The museum had no permanent collection. Each exhibition featured objects and artwork. These items were on loan from Southwark Council’s historic collections.
Sadly, in February 2008, Southwark Council voted to close the museum. The planned closure date was March 1, 2008. This decision resulted from budget cuts. This happened despite the museum’s popularity and success. A campaign began to save it. The Friends of the Livesey Museum for Children formed. They aimed to create a trust. The trust would raise funds to run it for the community.
In April 2008, Southwark Council acknowledged the building’s covenant. The building was owned by a trust, not the council. Opening the building as a children’s museum in 1974 might have breached the trust. This was because it had closed as a public library in 1966. Southwark couldn’t sell the building because of the trusteeship.
Several organizations proposed to run The Livesey Building. Southwark Council chose to let the building to Theatre Peckham. To use it as a theatre rehearsal space, they needed Charity Commission approval. A scheme was proposed in 2009. It failed to raise enough funds.
As of February 2010, squatters occupied The Livesey Building. Later, it became part of an authorized guardian scheme. Temporary residents provided security.
In November 2012, Southwark Council approved Treasure House as preferred partners. Treasure House proposed to use the building for education. They would educate children aged 13 to 19 who couldn’t access mainstream education. They also planned to offer educational and cultural programs to the local community.
George Livesey bequeathed The Livesey Building. He gave it to the Commissioners for Public Libraries and Museums for the Parish of Camberwell in 1890. It operated as a free public library until 1966. Then the council relocated the library to a nearby site. The building closed to the public.
The Livesey Building is Grade II listed. A statue of Livesey by Frederick Pomeroy is in the grounds. It was previously at Livesey’s nearby gas works. The statue is also Grade II listed. Today, the premises have been secured. The goal is to rehabilitate the building. Access will be provided for community events and activities. These will be for those living within the Old Parish of Camberwell.
The move to The Livesey Building marks a new phase. It ensures the Livesey can continue its legacy. It will remain a provider of services and opportunities to the local community. The Livesey Building stands as a testament to community, education, and adaptation. Its story continues to evolve.