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43. Crane Library (1882) - Quincy, MA; Henry Hobson Richardson, FAIA



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Photo: Thomas A. Heinz/Corbis

Crane Library, one of Richardson’s most celebrated projects, is also among his simplest and smallest public buildings. The library proves that even the bold, masculine Richardsonian Romanesque style can seem quiet and contemplative. The interior features a stained glass window by artist John LaFarge, and the library's grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

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Comments (3)

Thomas Crane:

Thank you for honoring my library. Henry did a lovely job and we are all so pleased. Do come and visit us in Quincy.

Cheers!

Thomas

Stuart Kurtz:

The Thomas Crane Library of Henry Hobson Richardson strikes a perfect balance between left and right sides. The stair tower is the center, balanced by the organic entry arch. Both are transitions from the more horizontal left facade and the slight play on verticals on the right. And that clerestory window - inspiration for Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School?

Lisa:

I live in Boston and I've never even heard of this place...

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This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on February 5, 2007 8:40 PM.

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