L.A. Central Library - Goodhue Building
A shining example of ART Deco architecture, the Los Angeles Central Library – Goodhue Building opened in 1926. The DTLA monument to literary history was rebuilt on the same plot of land, after a devastating fire in 1941. It is considered to be one of Bertram Goodhue’s finest works.
As fate would have it, the Library was his last major work. Shortly after presenting to the Library Board and Art Commission, Goodhue died of a heart attack. His trusted associate Carleton Winslow was tasked with completing the project.
The heart of the Central Library is the ‘Rotunda’. Surrounding the open space are the stacks and reading rooms. This central area acts as both meeting space, and entryway to the cities’, now revitalized, downtown by way of ceiling tiles and wall murals depicting the regions history.
The Architect - Bertram Goodhue (1891- 1914)
Bertram Goodhue, an architect who also created typefaces, was born in Connecticut and attended Trinity College. Although he never received formal design instruction, he apprenticed in Manhattan under James Renwick, Jr. Renwick may be best known as the architect of Manhattan’s Grace Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
In 1897 he moved to Boston and was deeply involved in the founding of the Society of Arts and Crafts – Boston.
He formed a lasting partnership with Ralph Adams Cram which led to the creation of numerous Gothic Revival inspired buildings. For 25 years the pair collaborated on projects across the eastern seaboard, midwest, and west coast.
By 1915, Goodhue turned his attention west, collaborating with many notables including Lloyd Wright. One of his final projects was the Los Angeles Central Library. in 1917, he was elected to the National Academy of Design and the American Academy of Design.
According to a citation in Wikipedia, a recent dissertation credits Goodhue with creating a “distinctive interpretation of Spanish Colonial Architecture into Spanish Colonial Revival Style as a dominant California regional vernacular.”
He is also known to have spread the style to the Islands of Hawaii. A significant portion of his working papers are now held at Columbia University, New York.
L.A. Central Library - 1926 to Present
Following the completion in June 1926, the building was ravished by fire in 1941 and again in 1986. Each time the building was restored to it’s original glory.
Currently, the library houses nearly 7 million volumes and is a landmark recognized by the Los Angeles Conservancy.
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