Senior School Library receives a new lease of life!

Working alongside Faith Pittock, a former St Mary’s student and now Project Designer for Morgan Lovell, a leading UK office design and build company, and seeking input from Mrs Cassell and the English Department, we embarked on the challenge of updating and refurbishing the Senior School Library at the end of last term.

We wanted to create a stunning and attractive library, catering for group study and individual research. Our first challenge was to take down a three-metre-high structural wall which separated two areas, to enlarge and open up the space and create a light and airy learning environment. It was important that we maintained and highlighted the beautiful mouldings, by using a colour scheme which complimented these original features. Staying true to St Mary’s colours – a dark blue was used for the flooring. The furniture was updated to include some lovely, solid oak pieces, with a large round table, fabric upholstered stools and a Scandi-style couch.

The library was officially opened by award winning writer and film maker Matt Dickinson during a recent visit to St Mary’s – he was impressed with the space and wished all the students many happy times indulging in a love of reading.

The students have fully embraced the new Library and are making the most of their new study space on a daily basis. Mrs Hilary Vipond, Principal said “St Mary’s is a community and I’m delighted to welcome Faith back to school to work with us, we very much enjoy hearing about the very successful career paths that our former students have embarked upon.”

The designer, Faith Pittock visited St Mary’s to see the newly reopened Library, and was really pleased to see it in full use. “I have fond memories of my time as a student at St Mary’s so it was a real pleasure to come back and work on such an exciting project”, said Faith. “I can remember using the space myself, which gave a greater understanding of the job ahead and I’m so pleased to hear that the girls are enjoying using their new Library!” Faith, who was recently awarded the accolade of ‘Best Business Support’ by Morgan Sindall Group, is passionate about promoting women in the construction industry: “Working in this sector has opened up so many opportunities for me.” said Faith. “I have been involved in a number of projects, from pharmacy shop designs, to property development and commercial office spaces and even the premier event venue, Tobacco Dock London. There is such a variation in this fast-paced environment, which I love!”

For anyone wishing to find out more, and to take a look around St Mary’s Senior School, we look forward to showcasing our new facilities at the next Senior School Open Morning on Tuesday 26 February. To reserve your place see Open Days and Visits