An historic College library that has played host to princesses, operas and balls, as well as revising students, has been given a new lease of life.

Staff, alumni, students, medical professionals and funders gathered to celebrate the re-opening of the medical library at Imperial’s St Mary’s campus. 

The historic space, at the heart of the campus, has been re-named the Fleming Library, following a six month refurbishment project to restore the building and improve access and facilities.

The work was made possible by the combined efforts of the St Mary’s Development Trust, and staff from the Faculty of Medicine and the College Library Services. Plans to redevelop the building were first drawn up in 1999. As a result of the Trust’s generous charitable donation of £1.5 million towards the work, which cost £3 million in total, work began late last year.

Last week’s event gave those involved the opportunity to see the new library, including Emeritus Professor Averil Mansfield CBE who is Chair of the St Mary’s Development Trust: “It’s wonderful to see the culmination of many years of hard work. A great deal of time and resources from both Imperial and the Trust have been invested to refurbish and vastly improve the library. It’s a big day for us all to see this, it’s magical. In fact it makes me want to be a student again!”

The Fleming Library pictured before the refurbishment

Designed by architect Sir Edwin Cooper, the library first opened in December 1933, the same year that King George V opened the existing medical school buildings on the campus. As well as a place of study, the space was regularly used for student plays, opera, concerts and balls up until 1982. The building also hosted Gilbert & Sullivan productions during the Christmas period, one of which was attended by the then Queen and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret in 1945. 

Members of the Royal family watched a show at the library in 1945

For many it was a time to reminisce and reflect on their time at St Mary’s. Retired Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Alasdair Fraser, regularly used the library as a student in the 1950s: “The library was really the focal point of the school both for study and social events. It would be cleared so that exams could be held there and also for many social events in the evenings. The Music and Dramatic societies would perform there and there would be three formal Balls a year. More informal soirees also took place organised by individual clubs and societies.”

The library opened in December 1933

The refurbishment is the first time the building has been upgraded since 1982. The Library has been redecorated and has a new internal staircase providing access to the gallery floor. It also has improved heating, lighting, WI-FI and additional computers and study space and a dedicated training room. 

Improvements include a new internal staircase, WIFI and additional study space

Fourth year student, Nat Ilenkovan (Medicine) was also at the launch event: “I used the library a lot in my third year and when I heard it would be closed for refurbishments I was a little worried that the character of the building would be lost. But it’s stunning, they’ve really opened it up and it’s a lot airier now. I think I’ll come here much more now.”