Passmore Edwards Library

Do you know that feeling of going somewhere every day and being so familiar with it that you don’t see something special or obvious about it – and then feeling delighted when you notice it? That’s what I want to do with my art. I’ve been sketching again in Newton Abbot, in Devon, this time the Passmore Edwards Centre.

Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the)

It was built as a library and technical school by a philanthropist called John Passmore Edwards in memory of his mother who was born in the town. It was completed in 1904. Amazingly, it’s still an open public library.

It has a continuous plinth, cornices, triangular and curved window pediments, protruding pilasters and finials, and windows with mullions and transoms. The second floor has elaborate swags, finials and Gibbs surrounds to the windows. Looking at it has been a wonderful lesson in architectural terminology.

Part of my Postcards from Newton Abbot series of postcard-sized ink and watercolour sketches.

Ink: Platinum brun sepia pigmented ink
Pen: Sailor Fude de Mannen fountain pen
Watercolour: Derwent Graphitint watercolours

More Postcards from Newton Abbot

Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) Pumping station Do you know that feeling of going somewhere every day and being so familiar with it that you don't see… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) Austins Do you know that feeling of going somewhere every day and being so familiar with it that you don’t see… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) The Saracens Head Do you know that feeling of going somewhere every day and being so familiar with it that you don't see… read more
Sketching Newton Abbot - The Hall of Einar - (c) David Bailey (not the) St Paul’s Church Do you know that feeling of going somewhere every day and being so familiar with it that you don’t see… read more

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