While I'm on the subject of architecture (about which I know very little), here is a picture of what was formerly the Victoria Public Library building, built in 1905 with funds provided in part by the American philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie provided funds to build over 2,500 libraries in many countries during the early part of the last century. In 1905 Victoria I suspect this was quite an imposing structure and though it now seems quite small and a little pretentious, I like it. I also like the way the modern building next door echoes the design of the Carnegie building, like a nod of recognition to the past. The public library now occupies much larger quarters in a new building a few blocks distant and the Carnegie building shown here is rented to other tenants.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Carnegie Library Building
While I'm on the subject of architecture (about which I know very little), here is a picture of what was formerly the Victoria Public Library building, built in 1905 with funds provided in part by the American philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie provided funds to build over 2,500 libraries in many countries during the early part of the last century. In 1905 Victoria I suspect this was quite an imposing structure and though it now seems quite small and a little pretentious, I like it. I also like the way the modern building next door echoes the design of the Carnegie building, like a nod of recognition to the past. The public library now occupies much larger quarters in a new building a few blocks distant and the Carnegie building shown here is rented to other tenants.
5 comments:
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I like it a lot! It has human scale amid its grandeur. More buildings should be like this.
ReplyDeleteOh I don't mind small and a little pretentious, when it comes to buildings! This one is lovely and glad it's still standing not taking up room in a landfill somewhere.
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If not for the altruism of individuals that were built with their money museums, churches, libraries, universities, many of the sites that tourists visit today, we could not do it.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a beautiful building and I've had the pleasure of viewing inside, the views are incredible!
ReplyDeleteThe modern building next door was built as an addition to the old library. But since the library moved from this location more than 25 years ago, both of these buildings together now comprise the "old" library.
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