2-979-074 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Portable School, 1857. 'This novelty in building has received the following testimonial from the Board of Education: "I have examined the Portable School designed by Mr. Smalman Smith (for the district of California, in Wordsley parish), and it seemed to me ingeniously contrived, firmly constructed, and admirably adapted to meet the wants of a neighbourhood where there is a difficulty in obtaining a secure site for building purposes. The School seemed to stand quite securely and to be perfectly weather-tight. There would, I should say, be no difficulty as to proper ventilation of such a room...H. J. Sandford, Assistant Inspector of Schools". [The] '...sides, ends, roof, and floor are formed in compartments screwed together, which can be taken to pieces, and removed to any other site...The whole is constructed of timber, and capable of holding 100 children'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.