From ancient vases to racy nudes the Harris is our treasure trove

With the Harris Museum, Library and Art gallery due to reopen in late September we take a further look into its past.

- Keith Johnson

Following the death of the architect of the Harris, James Hibbert in November 1903, future generations built on his achievements, appreciating what he had created, writes Keith Johnson.

The Harris was provided with reproductions of the best examples of Greek sculpture, the Renaissance, and the British school of painting was well represented in the picture galleries. With an expanding natural history collection and a popular lending library the roots of its service to Preston had been deeply laid.

One inheritance that became housed in the new library was the book collection of Dr. Richard Shepherd given to the town upon his death in 1761. Born in Kendal Dr. Shepherd, a practising physician on Friargate, was involved with town affairs and became an Alderman. Besides his library of books initially housed in Shepherd Street, adjacent to the Arkwright Arms, then housed within the Avenham institute and latterly in Cross Street contained over 8,500 volumes. He also left £200 to fund the salary of a librarian.