Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Dulwich College, a historic 17th-century school in Southwark, is set for a facelift, offering insight into its legacy, which includes alumni like Nigel Farage.
The £60,000-a-year all-boys private boarding school has presented plans to Southwark Council to renovate several rooms at its Grade-II* listed Dulwich residence.
The plans would renovate the lower hall, main stairway, master’s common room, library and bedroom, and chaplain’s chamber of the 19th-century school structure.
To make the lower hall less dim, the walls would be painted a lighter color and the lighting, including the non-original chandelier, would be changed.
According to the plans, the room’s contemporary vinyl floor would be taken out and rebuilt, and the broken terracotta tiles would be fixed.
Documents presented to the council state that “current staff consider the lighting quality in the master’s library to be insufficient to comfortably work in.”
The worn parquet flooring in the library would be taken out and replaced, and new lighting would be installed in this space. According to the drawings, the master bedroom would also have better lighting.
In addition, the ceiling, skirtings, and window trim elements surrounding the building’s main stairway would all be painted.
In the meantime, the chaplain room at the school would be transformed into a new space for washing dishes and added to the adjacent kitchen.
The chaplain’s quarters, the library, the master’s common area, the lower hall, the main staircase, and a bedroom are all also scheduled for renovation. The goal of these modifications is to improve these historic areas’ use and visual attractiveness.
The graduates of Dulwich College, referred to as Old Alleynians, are a notable group. Jeremy Deller, a conceptual artist, Ed Simons of the Chemical Brothers, and Nigel Farage, the head of the Reform Party, are notable individuals.
With a stellar A-level record and a standing as one of the best private schools in the UK, the school is renowned for its academic accomplishments.
The proposals would also include modifications to the master’s common room’s design and arrangement. The north, south, and central blocks of Dulwich College were constructed in the Italian Renaissance style between 1866 and 1870.
In 1616, Dulwich College was founded. Old Alleynians are former students of the institution. They include conceptual artist Jeremy Deller, Ed Simons, one half of the electronic music combo the Chemical Brothers, and Reform leader Nigel Farage.
At a later time, Southwark Council will decide whether to adopt the plans.
What will be the impact of renovations on the students and staff at Dulwich college?
By adding contemporary amenities, improved lighting, and cozier areas, renovations frequently seek to enhance the educational atmosphere. Students’ attention and involvement in class may improve as a result.
To ensure that everyone can fully engage in school activities, upgrades could involve making buildings more accessible for children with impairments.
Students and staff may become more environmentally conscious and responsible if the renovations include sustainable elements like green areas or energy-efficient technologies.
There may be brief interruptions to everyday schedules while repairs are being done, such as noise, restricted access to specific locations, or adjustments to traffic patterns on campus.
By establishing common areas that promote communication between staff and students, renovations can help promote a feeling of community. A more unified school climate and deeper social ties may result from this.