Heritage
A Building Rooted in Philanthropy
Designed by RP Whellock, dated 1890, and bequeathed by gas industry philanthropist George Livesey — The Livesey Building has served Southwark's community for over 130 years. Today it is home to Treasure House (London) CIC, a therapeutic community for young people.
1834 — 1908
George Livesey, 1834–1908
George Livesey was one of Victorian England's most progressive industrialists — a pioneer of profit-sharing with his workforce at the South Metropolitan Gas Company. He believed prosperity should be shared, and his philanthropy extended to the community around his Old Kent Road gasworks.
In 1890 he bequeathed this building to the Commissioners for Public Libraries and Museums for the Parish of Camberwell, specifying it as a free public library for the people of the area. A bronze statue of Livesey by sculptor Frederick Pomeroy, originally at the nearby gasworks, now stands in the building's grounds — itself Grade II listed.
Protected Status
II
Grade Listed
Grade II Listed by Historic England
Listed on 17 September 1998 (List Entry No. 1385739), the building is recognised for its special architectural and historic interest. The hall and entrance ranges — with their ornate terracotta dressings, clerestory, and arched tie-beam timber roof — are protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. A minor amendment was made to the listing on 13 February 2018.
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