This week’s Lens Artist’s Challenge has been set by Ritva who invites us to share our photographic interpretations on the theme of Books. I’ve categorised my own contributions into The Grand, The Ancient, The Quirky and The Personal.
The Grand
The Library of Trinity College Dublin is the largest library in Ireland. Seen here, the Long Room was built between 1712 and 1732 and has 200,000 books in its collection, including the library’s oldest books.
The Picton Reading Room at Liverpool Central Library. Named after Sir James Picton it first opened to the public in 1860 and is known for its domed ceiling and tiered bookshelves. The library was restored in 2011 and holds 15,000 rare books.
The Ancient
The Chained Library at Hereford Cathedral. This Library has books mainly dating from the 15th to the early 19th centuries although the cathedral’s earliest and most important book, the 8th-century Hereford Gospels is one of 229 medieval manuscripts which now occupy two bays of the Chained Library.
The Library at The Royal Carthusian Monastery, Valldemossa, Mallorca. Originally built as a royal residence, Carthusian monks occupied the building from 1399 until 1835. They used to meet together for half an hour in the library each week which was their only contact with each other.
The Quirky
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope” Kofi Annan.
Halewood and Sons, Preston. Some years back we met up with some friends whose daughter was eight at the time and an avid reader. The conversation turned to her untidy, messy bedroom and the daughter’s inspired response to her mum was “Mum, I’ve read that Alexander Fleming’s room was a mess and that’s how he discovered penicillin”. I was reminded of that story in this disorganised and warren like bookshop in Preston, although I’m sure if I asked, the owner would know exactly where to find each book.
The Library In The Woods, Isle of Arran. If you walk a little further on from Eas Mor waterfall on the south coast of Arran you come across this wooden shack which turns out to be an eccentric library and art stop in the middle of woodland.
A Juste Titre, Rouen. Mish doing what she likes best, rummaging through old book stores, language not a problem.
The Personal
Chester Library at The Storyhouse. My nearest library is contained within the Storyhouse Theatre with its cinema, theatre, cafe and restaurant. Not somewhere to go if you like traditional library silence but it has a relaxed and unique atmosphere and you can browse the books whilst having coffee, dinner or just waiting for a show.
In the late seventies and early eighties Ken Wilson and Richard Gilbert produced a series of walking books that have subsequently become classics and encouraged a generation of young hill walkers, like myself to get out and explore the great outdoors. The pictures may be slightly dated, no digital photography in those days and plenty of, mostly men, in orange cagoules and breeches but the writing is as fresh, descriptive and inspiring as when it was first written and on days when the hills are far away these books can still take you into Britain’s high and wild places.
How did I miss that crazy library when I hiked round Arran?
Ah just found it. Too far off the coast.
Yes, probably a bit far inland, we stopped at Seal Shore campsite which was very nice, had a day room with some facilities and I met a couple who were walking the Arran coast path and getting out of the rain for a bit! I also saw an Otter which made my holiday!
I love all of the libraries! I would enjoy browsing through the books in that quirky library!
Thank you Beth, I see you enjoyed the Long Room as well 😀
These are such wonderful photos, Jim! I find that libraries and bookstores are amazing places to visit, offering a unique atmosphere and a chance to explore the world of literature and knowledge. They provide a sense of calm and inspiration, and many are beautiful architectural landmarks in themselves. Thanks for sharing, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva
Thank you Aiva, yes you can’t beat a good library or bookstore to while away the hours 😀
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The beauty of the book covers in Royal Carthusian Monastery, love them. Halewood and Sons, what a place to do finds. A Juste Titre, would be a lovely place spend some time in.
Thank you Ritva 😀
The Library in the Woods shows a devotion to books. If you can have one there, you can put a library just about anywhere. Great collection. Maggie
Thanks Maggie 😀
What a great gallery, Jim! Dublin’s library and the Library in the Woods are amazing.
Thanks Egídio 😀
Some amazing book places there Jim! Those stacks in Halewood and Sons look a bit precarious. One nudge and you could crush a 5 year old!
I also thought I must have at least one of your 3 books, but sadly not. As you can maybe imagine, we have quite a few walking and travel books on our bookshelves!
Thanks Mike, yes Health and Safety might have something to say about the bookshop, I love the randomly placed fire extinguisher!
I love your different and varied categories! How wonderful that the Carthusian monks got to meet up once a week in their library 😀 I’m very taken with the Library in the Woods and as a former librarian I really like the look (and sound) of your library in Chester.
Thanks Sarah, I think there may have been some slight discomfort over putting a library in such a public space but it has become a hub with lots of community groups meeting up there and things going on. 😀 I noticed Anne, slow shutter speed, mentioned Travels with Charlie, I’m off travelling in a month or so so think that will be my holiday reading!