We’re heading to Los Angeles’ 1926 Central Library in downtown L.A. to explore the art and architecture of the historic building, plus a visit to the Special Collections Department to see some Art Deco era treasures.
Two members of the Digitization & Special Collections Department will be exhibiting a selection of items with a focus on architecture, art, artist books, and book arts that feature art deco elements with a focus on the 1920s and 1930s. Along with displaying these items, they will also offer general information about the department's work and the collections they manage.
The library is the last major work of architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue. While definitively modern in its expression of the Art Deco style of its era, Goodhue references Egyptian, Byzantine, Roman and Islamic civilizations with a bit of Spanish revival. The decorative details and artworks are ripe with allusions to knowledge, mythology and literature.
The proposed demolition of Los Angeles’ Central Library in the 1970s led to the formation of the Los Angeles Conservancy in 1978.
There is limited space on this tour, so tickets will be available first to Art Deco Society of Los Angeles members. Members will receive an email to alert them to the on sale date.
The excursion will consist of a docent led tour of the library and an exhibition and talk in Special Collections. Proceeds from the tour will benefit Photo Friends.
Thank you to librarian Christina Rice for coordinating this custom tour for ADSLA members.
PARKING
Parking is available in the parking lot under the library for $1 if you validate in the library. You must show your LAPL library card to validate.