3-034-605 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The London Orphan Asylum, Watford, 1871. This '...handsome series of structures, which front the London and North-Western station at Watford...has been occupied this week by 450 children...The building nearest the railway is the chapel...the administrative portion of the building...contains the board-room, visitors' room, library, and other offices, as well as the temporary infirmary...On the right of the administrative block is the girls' quadrangle. The main building...contains a music-room, with off spaces for separate practice, work-rooms, sitting-rooms, school-room, residence for the head mistress, playground, and offices. The quadrangles for the boys, senior and junior, are on the left of the administrative block...There is a swimming-bath...A tower of 125-ft. elevation...is, of course, its most noticeable feature...Underneath are the culinary arrangements on an extensive scale for cooking and baking, and lifts for bringing the food to the diningroom...Light, space, and air are abundant. There is ample provision for recreation in bad weather as in fine. The views are cheering and the situation is healthy and convenient...The original contract was for £63,000. The entire work has been erected under the superintendence of Mr. H. Dawson'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.