This staircase used to lead up to our specialist Persian collection above the Readers' Area but sadly we had to take it out of use for health and safety reasons.
However, in the end we were able to keep it rather than having it removed altogether and we think it's really nice to be able to retain this particular aspect of the architect's original vision in this way.
Our specialist Persian Section is still located above the Readers' Area, accessed via its other original entrance, but only students who are studying Persian, including students from across the wider university and not just Wadham, can consult it.