SOUTHAMPTON’S Guildhall has long been a steadfast city landmark which, when it was built, had an eye to future generations.

Designed as a social location for municipal functions, which up to then tended to take place on board ocean going liners docked in the port, the Guildhall was opened by Lord Derby in 1937. A souvenir booklet from the time, now in a collection of Southampton memorabilia owned by local historian Dave Goddard, underlines the pride the civic authorities had in this new building.

Writing in the foreword of the publication, Alderman Sir Sidney Kimber, said: “Whether or not Southampton ever had a Public Assembly Hall is questionable, but what is certain is that there has not been one during the last century.”

He added it was hoped “the hall should be in beauty, equipment, accommodation, and appointments one, not only worthy of the present generation, but satisfactory for the many generations that are likely to use it.”

The Guildhall has, over the ensuing decades, played a central role in the life of Southampton.

Countless dances and dinners, school speech days, public meetings, exhibitions, pop music and classical concerts, religious and political rallies, variety shows, and sporting events have all been held under the ornate ceiling of the Guildhall.

Referring to the Guildhall, Alderman Kimber said: “Its beauty, both externally and internally, is incontestable and if thought, care and repeated consultation with those who have a thorough understanding of accommodation, acoustics, heating, ventilation, size, shape, stage requirements, adaptability and general comfort counts, then small wonder that a remarkable building has resulted and that the consensus of opinion is most favourable.”

The council was especially proud of the mighty John Compton organ which had been installed in the Guildhall.

“The Civic Centre Committee had been advised to expect the organ to be a remarkable achievement and to be capable of rendering from the most flippant dance music to the majestic and classical productions of the most renowned composers.

The Guildhall was the third of four sections to be developed which when completed would form the complete Civic Centre. The municipal offices section opened in 1932, to be followed by the law courts and police station the following year.

Provided for “the entertainment and enjoyment of the many”, the Guildhall opened in 1937. “When complete the Civic Centre [will be] fully equipped for a long and busy life, of incalculable advantage to the inhabitants of a popular, prosperous and progressive town and famous port.”