Library Company of Philadelphia
This week’s #toolsofthelibrarytrade highlights multiple facets of what we use in our library as well as a story of rediscovery. First, this library step stool was originally made for the Library Company’s Juniper building, which has since been torn down. When LCP left that location we did not want to take the step stool with us, so it went to antiques dealer. One of LCP’s donors, David Doret, found this stool and returned it to us. Now it is part of our Art & Artifacts Collection.
The next step in this stool’s journey was to photograph the stool for the online catalog. As shown in the image, we could not accommodate the dimensions of the stool seamlessly with our studio, but a little Photoshop magic went a long way without jeopardizing the integrity of the artifact.
OBJ-013. Library step stool. Gift of David Doret.
It is #NationalPetDay and there’s no better way to celebrate than by checking out a library book to read with your four legged companion.
The painting depicts the interior of the Library Company’s building on 5th Street. Lloyd P. Smith, the Librarian, is standing behind the charge desk. There is a woman and her dog standing in front of the desk with her back to the viewer. It is possible the woman is supposed to be Anne Hampton Brewster who owned a dog and was a close friend of Lloyd P. Smith.
Wood, George Bacon, 1832-1910. Library Building on 5th Street.1880. Oil on wood ; 7 x 8 inches.
It’s #NationalLibraryWeek and this year’s theme is Libraries = Strong Communities. For the Library Company of Philadelphia the community was a pivotal part of our creation and growth. As we continue to provide stewardship in the 21st century for an amazing collection of rare books, graphics, and artifacts, we are looking for new ways to connect and reconnect with our local community.
The Lion’s Mouth Suggestion Box represents how the community participated in building our collection. The first book order was sent to England on March 31, 1732. The list of books ordered was representative of the kind of books that could be found in any good colonial American, or even English, private library. The largest portion included titles on history and travels, followed by literature. Small segments dealt with the sciences, theology, philosophy, economics, and linguistics.
The Lion’s Mouth Box is currently on display as part of Stylish Books: Designing Philadelphia Furniture, up through April 26th.See the online exhibition here: https://librarycompany.org/stylish/index.html
Suggestion Box. Lion’s Mouth Box. Painted metal ; 11 3/8 x 8 x 5 5/8 inches.
Well now we know how “handy” port wine boxes can be in a pinch…
Happy Presidents’ Day! This lock of hair is from the head of founding father and first U.S. President, George Washington, cut by Washington’s barber, Martin Pierie, in 1781. The lock came to the Library Company in 1829.
A note pasted to the back of the frame reads: “Description of frame: 1. Oval from Washington’s mansion - Mt. Vernon; 2. Part of a chestnut tree planted by Washington which is the molding; 3. Beed around frame from Independence Hall, Philadelphia; 4. The ring from Carpenter’s Hall; 5. Upper right star Tree Lafayette planted; 6. Upper left star, Gen'l Anthony Wayne house; 7. Lower right star, Frigate Constitution; 8. Lower left star, Frigate Alliance; 9. Back from pew Washington worshipped in at Christ Church. I believe the above to be correct and true. Roxborough Feb. 18th, 1860 Joseph Crout.”
Lock of George Washington’s Hair. 1781. Framed: 4 ½ x 5 ½ x 7/8 inches.
For this President’s Day we re-share an old favorite.
Baking season is in full swing, and what would your pastries be without a little crimping? This 19th century pastry cutter is part of our arts & artifacts collection, and a necessary tool in 1866. Remember to avoid those soggy bottoms!
Lechner & Stump.
Combination Pie Rimmer, Crimper, and Pastry Cutter.
1866.
Reading and Writing Stand (Philadelphia, ca. 1770s). Gift of Albanus C. Logan, 1870. Owned by John Dickinson.
This delightful four-sided, mahogany reading and writing desk, provides multiple surfaces for books and papers. To function as a standing desk, it can be raised or lowered by turning along the pole. A locked compartment allows for storing correspondence or other valuables. Slots on each side pull out that can hold an inkwell. Founding father, John Dickinson (1732-1808), known as the “Penman of the Revolution” for his numerous publications supporting the American cause, owned this desk, and his great-grandson gave it to the Library Company. Notice the Chippendale-style carved cabriole legs that end in ball-and-claw feet and the carved finial at the top.
Stylish Books : Designing Philadelphia Furniture on display through April 26, 2019.
As the weather starts to turn and we spend a little more of our time indoors, why not pick up a new (or old) hobby? This needlework sampler can get you started from simply stitching your name to decorating with floral designs. Send your friends love notes and your frenemies satire!
Pillard, Catherine.
Needlework Sampler.
Wool ; 13 x 21 inches.
Happy 4th of July!
Pictured here are remnants of the Star-Spangled Banner that flew during the war of 1812 at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. This is the flag that inspired our national anthem! The flag was separated into pieces and given as relics. The Library Company is lucky to hold these fragments of United States history that helped solidify our identity as a nation.
Pickersgill, Mary. Fragment of the American flag, “Star Spangled Banner.”
1813. Cotton.
In 1790, Samuel Jennings wrote to the Library Company expressing his support for the arts and sciences and the desire to commence a painting that represented the ideals of the institution. In the completed painting, titled Liberty Displaying the Arts and Sciences, or The Genius of America Encouraging the Emancipation of the Blacks, Liberty is surrounded by books and symbols of culture, one being a catalog of the Library Company. The allegory not only implies knowledge as power, but knowledge as freedom. Jennings gifted the large painting to the Library Company in 1792 and it still hangs prominently in our reading room today, representing our mission to share knowledge with all those who wish to learn.