Q. Where can I find architectural plans?

One of the best sources for this is the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals. Avery allows you to specify just what you want your journal articles to contain. This can range from aerial images, elevations, models, photographs, plans and other physical descriptions. 

 

For more information see our Architecture Guide.

Plans can be found in Special Collections & Archives (SCA), located on the ground floor of the Sydney Jones Library.

 

Some plans may be in various other sections on the University Archive so it is recommended that you lead a "keyword" search with the name of the building first, for example 'Carnatic Hall plans' using the SCA Archive Catalogue.

 

To search for a particular building, input the name of the building you are looking for into the Archives Catalogue keyword search function. The results will indicate the section of papers that the plans are contained in, and make a note of the specific reference number in order to book an appointment to see the material. For example, A259 - Plans of the Walker Engineering and Harrison-Hughes Laboratories.

Some plans are held within the papers of staff and students from the Architecture department relating to their career or student work, for example maps and plans from the Professor Abercrombie deposit, D439.

Contact SC&A staff to arrange an appointment to view the material.

If your search finds no references to plans for the building you are looking for, please try the following alternatives:

• Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals
• Builder and Building journals
• Liverpool City Council Planning Department (Municipal Building, Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2DH Tel: 0151 233 3021). Digitised copies of planning applications submitted since 2007 are also available via the Liverpool City Council Planning Explorer. 
• RIBA 
• Liverpool Record Office  (based in Central Library). Here you can find plans relating to Liverpool city buildings such as St Georges Hall.

For more help, please contact your Liaison Librarian and see the Architecture Guide.