[1] The building cost £21,254, and was sponsored by donations from the Tangye brothers (£10,937) and Louisa Ryland (£10,000).

Its Venetian style and naturalistic decoration are heavily influenced by John Ruskin's Stones of Venice.

A continuous plinth band of Doultons tilework containing lozenges lilies and sunflowers on blue backgrounds runs around the building.

An extension from the north end, running east along Cornwall Street was added by Martin & Chamberlain in 1892–93.

In 1992, the cleaning of the exterior was completed after two years and the refurbishment and renovation of the interior began in 1993, ending in 1996.