Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture

Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture, a talk with author Stephen Gee

co-presented with Angel City Press
Philosophy of Design Series

Declared one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Los Angeles Central Library is a monument to fine architecture and artwork—and, of course, is renowned for its collection of the written word and its world-class special collections. Los Angeles Central Library and its history are as fascinating as any of the storied volumes found on its shelves. City leaders fought for decades to build a landmark structure and later battled to demolish it, yet generations of Angelenos have watched the building stand tall, survive fires, and endure into the twenty-first century.Year after year, Central Library proves its essential place in the heart of Los Angeles. And each year it becomes more important.
Stephen Gee is a writer and television producer based in Los Angeles. He is the author of Iconic Vision: John Parkinson, Architect of Los Angeles (Angel City Press). Gee has worked on numerous award-winning television productions and has directed and produced live coverage of high-profile news stories. He currently serves as an Associate Director for two University of Southern California research centers. A graduate of London’s City University, he began his career as a newspaper reporter in Norfolk, England. He has lived in Los Angeles since 1995.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In Los Angeles Central Library: A History of its Art and Architecture, the Library’s beautiful building, paintings, murals, sculptures, decor, and storied tile work are captured by the lens of renowned Hollywood documentarian, photographer and graphic designer Arnold Schwartzman. And its remarkable story visuals and civic involvement is chronicled by architectural historian Stephen Gee. Gee tells the story of the creative minds that shaped the structure: architects Bertram Goodhue, Carleton M. Winslow, Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates; sculptor Lee Lawrie; muralists Dean Cornwell and Albert Herter; painter Julian Garnsey, and philosopher, Hartley Burr Alexander, and many more. In detail that has never been chronicled before, Gee shares the drama of the public’s fight to save the Library on several occasions, including the heart-wrenching story of the 1986 fire that destroyed or damaged more than a million volumes. More than 250 firefighters risked their lives for the love of books, and then the citizens of the city came together to save thousands of smoke- and water-damaged books. That the priceless artwork originally installed in the 1926 building was preserved is nothing short of civic miracle. Schwartzman shows the art—and much more—in page after page of color, all juxtaposed with historic images and blueprints, many never-before published.

Ticket price: $12 (in-person event only).

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

Philosophy of Design Series

This April and May, we celebrate the transformative power of design with a series of events examining the work of influential architects, artists, and designers. We'll explore how their unique philosophies and principles are reflected in their creations—works that not only shaped the way we view the world and experience space but open up new possibilities for ways of living.

Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning at LAPL
Dedicated in July 1926, the Los Angeles Central Library became an instant architectural icon and guiding light of learning for the City. For this significant milestone, the Los Angeles Public Library is pleased to present Central 100, a year-long celebration that brings together residents from all corners of Los Angeles. Se. UPCOMING EVENTS here.

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