Step onto the Flag Market and look upward to find a grand Neo-Classical facade where symmetry and refined detail define the skyline. Rather than the steep steps common in other landmark structures, you will find ground-level entrances that invite you into a sprawling architectural space of 60,000 square feet. This is The Harris, a Grade I-listed building that serves as a sanctuary for fine art, local history, and a public library.
A Grand Architectural Journey
Inside, the scale of the building is immediately apparent. A central hall rises over 120 feet to reach the ceiling of a towering lantern tower. As you move through the space, notice the architectural influences from Ancient Greece, Assyria, and Egypt, which manifest in prominent columns and mosaic floors. The building's exterior features a striking pediment with a sculpture based on Raphael’s The School of Athens, featuring the figure of Pericles surrounded by twelve other men. Below this, an inscription dedicated to "Literature, Arts and Science" welcomes you into a space designed for intellectual and aesthetic enrichment.
Artistry across the Ages
Explore diverse collections that span centuries of craftsmanship and culture:
- Fine Art: Wander through galleries housing over 800 oil paintings by renowned artists such as Richard Ansdell, George Frederick Watts, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Stanley Spencer, Lucian Freud, Ivon Hitchens, and Graham Sutherland, alongside works by local artists Anthony Devis and Reginald Aspinwall.
- Decorative Arts: Visit the dedicated Ceramics and Glass Gallery to view collections of British glass and ceramics.
- Textiles and Costume: Explore various displays featuring period costumes and intricate textiles.
- The Discovery Room: Step into a space that highlights local history, including the 13,500-year-old Poulton Elk—an Ice Age skeleton with man-made barbed points, marking one of the earliest signs of human occupation in Lancashire.
Experience the Atmosphere
To make the most of your visit, spend time in the central foyer where a Foucault pendulum hangs through all floors. This serves as both a decorative feature and a functional clock that tracks the rotation of the Earth over a butterfly-shaped plate. If you enjoy history, the "Discover Preston" gallery provides an immersive look at the local heritage. Because admission is free, you can take your time exploring the various levels, including the balconies that overlook the central hall. A highlight not to miss is the 19th-century copy of the Baptistery doors from Florence located on the ground floor.
After exploring the galleries and the public library collections, you can walk nearby to see the Cenotaph in Market Square or visit other local landmarks such as St John's Minster, Miller Park, or the Museum of Lancashire.
Plan your visit today to experience the unique blend of art, history, and architecture that makes The Harris a cornerstone of Preston’s cultural landscape.