A few weeks ago I spent the day at the Boston Public Library with my friend Kristine. Coincidentally, I later learned (via Twitter, natch) that Care was also in town that day; apparently the library has the ability to physically draw book lovers to it. You think that you’re in control, making the decision to to visit, but, no, the BPL is pulling you in! Let me tell you a bit about how we spent the day -
Our main reason for visiting was to see an exhibit based on a bookbinding competition. Each of the artists involved in Bound for Success was given pages from a work titled Water. The manuscript included poems, drawings, short fiction, etc., and was unpaginated. Each designer was able to take apart the book, and bind it in a manner that suited him or her.
There were simple cloth covers, elaborate leather toolings, folios that folded out or were otherwise bound in a nontraditional manner. The range was astounding; I’m still coveting the Bound for Success exhibition catalog ($65). The entries were under glass, and no photos were allowed – I did find a slideshow of the winning entrants, at the Designer Bookbinders website.
Bound for Success left the BPL in mid-December; it will be at Bonhams & Butterfields in San Francisco February 12 – March 6, 2010, and at The Grolier Club of New York May 19 – July 31. A new exhibit, about Edgar Allen Poe’s connection to Boston, opens this week and runs through March 2010.
We also took a fascinating tour of the Library. Tours are given every day except Wednesday; times vary, check the BPL website for the schedule of the Art and Architecture tour. They last about an hour, and cover the history of the library as an institution (it is the first research library in the US open to the general public – a huge change from the private men’s athaneums of the day), as well as the, hmm, Art and Architecture in the two buildings.
The exterior photos I’ve posted are from the McKim building. This is the original building on the site, with a striking facade, grand staircase, iconic library lions, and more fine art than you can imagine. Our guide, Bob Dunn, was fantastic – patient in answering questions, offering detailed (and interesting!) commentary, and overall very pleasant. He has been a volunteer tour guide at the BPL for seven years.
The library is in the final stages of a major fund-raising campaign for much-needed restoration and renovation. As Bob pointed out, the initial changes are those that will create a “wow” factor; that is, cleaning up the building and its art, rather than the behind-the-scenes mechanical work, like HVAC upgrades. This picture shows a “before” and “after” of an area that has been cleaned and repainted.
One galley, the Sargent Galley, is filled entirely with the mural scenes of John Singer Sargent. Sargent embellished the painted murals with dimensional effects such as crystals and plaster reliefs. A book about the creation and restoration of the art in this hall, John Singer Sargent’s “Triumph of Religion” at the Boston Public Library is coming in March 2010.
We grabbed a quick, but tasty, lunch at the Map Room Cafe (the former map room of the library). There is a full-service restaurant, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t open the day we visited. In nicer weather, you can take your meal to the Courtyard, where a bronze statue of Frederick MacMonnies’ “Bacchante and Infant Faun” caused quite a stir in uptight Boston. Although it was in the original plans, the statue wasn’t installed until the 1980s!
Across the courtyard is the Johnson building, a contemporary structure from the 1970s where the day-to-day activities (circulation, events in the Rabb Lecture Hall, smaller art exhibits) take place.
Let’s see – art, architecture, food, controversy … oh, yes! books! There happened to be a book sale the day we visited, and Kristine and I felt happily obligated to support the Friends of the Library.
If you’re within a few hours of Boston, or if business or leisure travel takes you to Beantown, do plan to spend a few hours at the Boston Public Library; it’s a great add-on to any sight-seeing in the Back Bay area.
Love the pics, thanks for sharing. We usually fly in to Boston and then head straight north for vacation but I’m tempted to take a side trip next time : )
I’m now on a new mission with my husband, viz: we need to move to Boston! I keep telling him about all these wonderful book opportunities I read about there, and plus who can forget your posts from Bedford Farms? We definitely need to move!
I’m trying to figure out how I can manage a quick trip to Boston now. That library sounds wonderful. The main library here is a new, modern building.
Mary – I had never taken the tour before – it was wonderful! Do spend a day in Boston the next time you fly in.
rhapsody – too funny that you remember the name of our favorite ice cream place! I’d ship some to you, but it doesn’t travel well. Yes, come for a visit (today it’s 7 degrees, so I’m not one to encourage people to move here!)
Kathy – the Johnson building is very stark (dull, actually, IMHO). But that original building – just gorgeous. There’s a reading room with table after table of people doing work (most on laptops). Fires no longer burn in the hearths, but I can imagine how it was years ago.
I love the Boston Public Library. Its gorgeous and I’m glad that they are restoring her. Yes, I said her! Sounds like you had a fantastic time. Thanks for sharing the photos. Are you sure it was the library calling and not the book sale?
Also, can’t you just see Iliana there from Bookgirl’s Nighstand…with her book binding prowess!
What a wonderful way to spend the day! I love that you included the pics. I will be visiting my brother in New Hampshire next year and I’m now going to add this to my must-do list while there.
Sorry to be belated in following up to your question about A Reliable Wife a couple weeks ago. No, I haven’t read it yet and a joint read in 2010 sounds fun! Just let me know!
Cheers!
karen
What a lovely library! And thanks for sharing your pictures with all of us.
That is an incredible building! What a wonderful place to spend the day!
I would expect nothing less from a library in Boston! Chicago’s is pretty cool too. Ours in Orlando is big but pretty ugly…we’re not very historical down here.
Amazing that a public library can be so beautiful. Utility is what characterizes most of the Danish libraries. Not that our local library is ugly, it is just more like a pretty Danish red-brick family home than a cathedral.
Serena – are buildings like boats (always feminine)? “She” does have a personality! Yes, I thought of Iliana when I was at the exhibit
Scobberlotcher – you’re on! I’ll email you about connecting on A RELIABLE WIFE
Amanda – There is so much beautiful detail in the building itself, plus all the art, statues, etc.
Lisa – my friend and I really enjoyed the day.
Sandy – I’ve never been to Chicago … one day …
Dorte – I think that ‘form vs. function’ is often a reflection of the times. Unlikely that a building this ornate would be built today (the Johnson building, from the ’70s is much more utilitarian)
Boston architecture is truly beautiful. I’m thankful that DC has a similar feel because I think I’d miss it all the more if it didn’t. Wonderful pictures, thank you for sharing.
Oh such a memorable day ! We were so lucky to have the time and a great guide. And a used book sale, the book exhibit, and quite a pleasant lunch. I think it was serendipity that all those “extras” were included in one place, probably could not have planned it better if we tried. I would go again-I’m sure I’d learn more too. We’ll need to identify some more of these grand public places-The Athenaeum looks promising, but they only do tours during the week.
The Boston Public Library is lovely!
What a beautiful library! I am glad you had such a nice time and I am very interested in knowing what books you brought home!
Oh man, how fabulous! The bookbinding exhibit and the tour. I’ll have to see what’s in Philadelphia and then talk Mr. BFR into going with me.
This was the first thing my niece wanted to see when we visited Boston last summer. I was so proud of her.
Michelle – I’m going to seek out other buildings that I can tour (or read about) and plan visits.
Kristine – you’re on! Let’s figure out where and when, and get it on the calendar
diane – I had never toured it before, just passed thru on my way to events or the Johnson building.
zibilee – Two are Christmas gifts; I’ll post in the next few weeks.
Beth F – the exhibit was so neat to see. Each artist brought his/her own interpretation of “Water”
Care – it was so funny that you were *so close*. I tell you, that woman on the tour looked *just like you* and I thought, “why is Care not making eye contact with me?!?”
Great post, Dawn- what a fun exhibit. it’s such a treasure and when you really get a chance to look at the art and architecture in detail it’s a real treat!
Oh Dawn, I’m so jealous! It looks like a fantastic exhibit. I have bookmarked the Designer Bookbinder web site so I can drool over those books over and over again! I have been busy setting up my studio at our new place and I can’t wait to get out all of my tools and stuff and create new things. I’m sorry I’m just now visiting but it’s been crazy but loved reading about this!