Professor Oriel Prizeman shortlisted for prestigious Colvin prize

Professor Oriel Prizeman’s publication The Carnegie Libraries of Britain: A Photographic Chronicle,  an output of the Shelf-Life project (Arts and Humanities Research Council),  has been shortlisted for the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain (SAHGB).

The publication is the first of its kind to fully compile and illustrate the 424 remaining public library buildings in Britain funded by Andrew Carnegie whose 2400 grants worldwide heralded the transatlantic standardisation of public space design. It exposes the magnitude, acceleration and geographic scope of this brief but unique contribution to the familiar British public realm. Located amongst the digital tools of the AHRC funded Shelf-Life project’s website, this e-book is freely accessible to all.

Professor Prizeman said: “I am thrilled and very honoured to be on this list.”

The Colvin Prize was established in 2017 and is awarded annually to the author or authors of an outstanding work of reference that relates to the field of architectural history, broadly conceived. All modes of publication are eligible, including catalogues, gazetteers, digital databases and online resources. It is named in honour of Sir Howard Colvin, a former president of the Society, and one of the most eminent scholars in architectural history of the twentieth century. Winners receive a commemorative medal designed by contemporary medallist Abigail Burt and will be announced at the Society’s Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony in December 2022.

Professor Oriel Prizeman is the Programme Lead on the MSc Sustainable Building Conservation at the Welsh School of Architecture. To find out more about this programme and how to apply please visit the course web pages.