Historic mosaics discovered under floor of Blackburn College

LONG-forgotten mosaics have been discovered underneath the floor coverings of Blackburn College’s 136-year-old Victoria Building.

The tiling was found by workmen undertaking the £25million restoration and modernisation to make the 1888 Grade II heritage-listed teaching complex fit for the 21st Century.

Their discovery is revealed in a retrospective planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council for the ‘removal of mosaic floors from lower ground level and covering mosaic floors under carpet on remaining floors’ by The Department for Education.

Supporting documents say: “In September 2022 a full planning application and a listed building consent for comprehensive refurbishment and partial remodelling of the Victoria Building.

“This application is being made due to the uncovering of existing historic fabric which was not known at the time of the original application.

“During demolition works to the Victoria Building a number of areas with original mosaic floor tiles were discovered underneath the more modern floor finishes.

“The uncovered mosaic floor tiles have been found on all floors of the Victoria Building.

“These run through the main corridors, central stair and the locker room on lower ground floor. These are all highly visible areas and heavily trafficked.

“On lower ground floor, which was the area uncovered first, the mosaic floor tiles have been over-coated with a bonding agent that has been tested and found to have an asbestos content.

“The asbestos containing material requires removal so that there is no residual risk passed over to the college upon occupation.

“The original mosaic tiles are in poor condition due to how they have been overlaid and bonded to the modern floor finishes.

“The archaeological interest of the mosaic floor would come from the period during which the mosaic was created and its relation to the overall timeline of the building’s history.

“The flooring is representative of the fashion and architectural trends of the era in which the building was constructed.

“The architectural and aesthetic interest is high.

“The mosaic tiles derive historic interest from their construction and material and are an example for similar Victorian-era buildings.

“The mosaic flooring on lower ground floor is proposed to be removed in its entirety.

“The mosaic flooring on upper ground, first and second floors will be retained in its current condition and overlaid without the use of a permanent bonding agent.

“The mosaic flooring on these levels could be repaired and reinstated at a future date by the removal of the carpet overlay.

“On lower ground floor due to condition, the removal of the mosaic flooring is unfortunately unavoidable to ensure the ongoing use of the building as a whole.”