Building for Life and Leisure

Building for Life and Leisure

Based on the wealth of building plans, architectural drawings and other materials held in our collections, this exhibition seeks to give a flavour of the wide range of materials available for the study of buildings, and to look more closely at some of the buildings, present and past, that form a part of Nottinghamshire's history. It has not been our intention to tell the whole history of building in Nottinghamshire, but rather to highlight a few of the buildings that have shaped or reflected life and leisure in the county.

Before planning controls were introduced in the late 19th century, building was largely unregulated, but private records from family and estate papers, and the archives of organisations can be a treasure trove of information on our built heritage, containing building accounts and tradesmen's bills, commissioned plans and drawings, illustrations, correspondence and other material.

More comprehensive records were produced and kept following the introduction of planning controls on building, which required the submission of detailed plans and architectural drawings to the planning authority. The rich archive of plans relating to Nottinghamshire are held at the Archives, and are supplemented by printed and manuscript records created by individuals and organisations such as local authorities, churches, schools and societies.

Explore the exhibits below:

	The Grand Theatre, Mansfield This stylish theatre and later a cinema opened in 1905 with the largest stage in the country. Find out more about it here
	The Black Boy Hotel, Nottingham Find out about this exotic Bavarian hotel in the middle of Nottingham and its flamboyant creator
	The Palais de Danse, Nottingham From a chic backdrop for tea dances and billiards to a popular nightclub, find out more about this popular Nottingham venue
	The Malt Cross, Nottingham A former coaching inn, this elegant Victorian music hall had a basement skating rink and a stunning glazed arch roof. Explore it further here
	The Turkish Baths, Nottingham The most prestigious of Nottingham's seven baths, this Moorish building was a temple to cleanliness. Explore it here
	Notts County Football Ground Find out more about the ground of the oldest football club in the league
	The Ossington Coffee Palace, Newark Built in the Arts and Craft style, this drinking establishment opened in 1882 to encourage the cause of temperance. Explore it here
	The Borough Club, Nottingham Opening in 1895, this turreted gentlemen's retreat boasted a card room, a billiard room and later a cocktail bar. Find out more about it here
	Mattersey School This lovely example of a nineteenth century school embodies developments in education during the Victorian era. Explore it further here
	Crane Houses, Nottingham Located at Wollaton in west Nottingham, this estate of composite houses was part of the drive for 'homes for heroes' following the First World War. Find out more here
	Everton Church This ancient church in north Nottinghamshire was only altered in the mid-nineteenth century with an extended chancel and a new apse and annex. Explore further...
	Nottingham Council House and Exchange Find out more about this classical building in the heart of Nottingham, a symbol of commercial development and civic pride

The Building Control Process

Find out more about planning permission, how it came about, and how the construction of new buildings is managed

The Faculty Process

Find out more about how additions, alterations and new church buildings are managed through the faculty process