#lcpartsandartifacts

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 First, this library step stool was originally made for the Library Company’s Juniper building, which has since been torn down.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.  

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.

Well now we know how “handy” port wine boxes can be in a pinch...

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 

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.

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!

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! 

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.