Standing 78 metres tall above Bolsover Street, the University of Sheffield’s Arts Tower is undoubtedly one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Officially opened by the Queen Mother in 1966, it was easily Sheffield’s tallest building at the time – a title that would be taken by St Paul's Tower on Arundel Gate, which was built in 2009
Six decades later, it remains the tallest public structure in the city and also still retains the title of the UK’s tallest university building.
The 20-storey brutalist (and modernist) landmark was designed by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners, a silent icon of post-war higher education, which rises from a ring of concrete piers into a sheer grid of glass and steel.
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The University of Sheffield building is also home to the famous paternoster lift, and did you know that it was also once praised by English Heritage spokesperson, who remarked that it was 'the most elegant university tower block in Britain of its period'.
While the surrounding cityscape has continuously transformed over the years, the Arts Tower has remained a constant amid the ever evolving skyline.
This retro photo gallery captures its rich history from its 1960s construction through to the early 2000s. Featured images showcase the historic royal opening, sweeping rooftop views of the shifting landscape, and memorable events held in its shadow at nearby locations like Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park.
9. Head for heights
Thomas Bray cleans a lamp post under the shadow of the University of Sheffield Arts Tower block, in March 1969. The 62-year-old had worked for the last 22 years as lamp post maintenance man for the Sheffield Corporation. | Sheffield Newspapers
10. Brook Hill
Brook Hill Grocery and Butlers Balti House, on Brook Hill, with the University of Sheffield Arts Tower in the background, in August 2006. Photo: Picture Sheffield/David Bocking/SLAI | Picture Sheffield/David Bocking/SLAI
11. Weston Park
Weston Park bandstand, with Sheffield's famous Arts Tower in the background, in the snow
12. 1960s view
The view from the University of Sheffield Arts Tower in March 1965, showing Bramall Lane football ground (centre right), Norfolk Park Flats (top centre) and Grosvenor House Hotel (left centre). Photo: Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers | Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers