Riverside Chambers in Derby

A detail carved in Hopton Wood limestone

My first extended stop, during my day trip to Derby, was the Sales & Information Centre at Riverside Chambers, after following the signs to the Tourist Information Centre and finding that it had recently closed. 

The entrance to Riverside Chambers

Formerly the Magistrates Court, built in 1934, this large red brick building again has gritstone dressings, with both of the visible facades being plain and simple and the splayed main entrance front being much more grand. 

The handrail and mirrored wall panels on the staircase

Once inside, the tourist information didn’t seem very extensive, and I can’t remember obtaining a map, but I asked if I could go upstairs and take a closer look at the fantastic handrail and mirrored wall panels, which are set into the polished Hopton Wood limestone panels on the staircase. 

A general view of the handrails on the first floor

This famous Derbyshire limestone developed an excellent reputation as a decorative stone, as well as for its use in Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorials, and I have encountered it in many historic buildings - Sheffield City Hall being a particularly good example. 

A detail carved in Hopton Wood limestone

Above the entrance to the Courts, there is similar decoration to that seen on the exterior door surrounds, with combinations of very finely carved and geometrical details. I just took a few photographs and, with plenty still to see in Derby, I quickly headed westwards in the general direction of Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

A detail carved in Hopton Wood limestone