The British Library and Highgate Cemetery connection

Between the stations Euston and St Pancras on the Euston Road stands the British Library. It is a great place to have a look around but you might have to step over the various cables from the laptops of students who now seem to use every possible seat as a study, chill or lazing about area. 

The British Library is renowned as one of the world's preeminent research libraries and proudly claims the title of the national library of the United Kingdom. Established in 1973, it emerged from the vast troves of the British Museum's collection, which traces its roots back to the Good Old Days of 1753.

The main building, which flung open its doors in 1997, was designed by architect Sir Colin St John Wilson. With its bold modernist flair, it almost seems to say, “Welcome to the future!” The façade, a striking red brick, complements a cavernous interior that houses a staggering collection of over 170 million items - including manuscripts, prints, and perhaps the odd handwritten notes for Monty Python sketches written by my favourite Python, Sir Michael Palin. 

Sir Colin Alexander St John Wilson, a distinguished figure in the field of architecture, was born on 14th March 1922 and passed away on 14th May 2007. Throughout his career, Wilson made a significant impact on contemporary architecture, leaving an enduring legacy. He is best known for co-designing the current British Library building in London with MJ Long, a project that captures not only his architectural vision but also the complexities of large-scale public works - perhaps the only place where "large-scale" and "delays" go hand in hand like old friends.

It all began in 1962 and proved to be a rather dramatic saga, culminating in its completion in 1997, after an extensive 35-year journey marked by political wrangles, considerable budget overspending, and persistent design problems. Wilson himself might have likened it to a soap opera, famously dubbing this prolonged endeavour his "30-year war."

Originally, the vision for the British Library was to establish a grand piazza to the south of the British Museum in Bloomsbury. However, this ambitious plan met with an uproar from the public when it was revealed that it required the demolition of a significant chunk of the historic The understandable strong backlash underscored the importance of preserving architectural heritage, inciting a quest for a new location. Ultimately, a site was identified further north, nicely tucked between Euston Station and St Pancras Station - a perfect spot for a library where one might also catch a train, or be caught in a literary fever amidst a rush hour of commuters.

After deciding to pack up and relocate, a design was approved in 1978, but the project faced further delays due to political shifts following the 1979 general election. With the change of government came a re-evaluation of public spending priorities, leading to a contraction of ambitions for the library's specifications amid rising costs - who doesn't enjoy the occasional budget cut when one is already over budget? Despite these setbacks, the indefatigable spirit of Wilson and his team persevered, weaving their way through the tangled web of architectural design, public policy, and financial constraints to bring the British Library to life.

Upon his death on 14th May 2007, Wilson was buried on the east side of Highgate Cemetery. His grave, designed as a miniature version of the entrance to the British Library, serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to architecture are genuinely worthy of a grand entry - albeit on a slightly smaller scale!

Most people seem to walk past this grave but it is definitely worth a few moments, especially if you have ever paid a visit to the British Library.  

Until next time, stay safe out there people!