We have a new exhibit up in the Library’s display area in Rockefeller Hall (we had previously mentioned it here in the blog as a possible show for last spring, but better late than never, no?). The show’s title is “Gone but not Forgotten: Exploring Exeter’s Missing Past.” Made up mostly of scanned archival images, the show focuses on Academy halls, homes, and interior spaces that either no longer exist, or have been radically transformed over the years. Below are four images from the exhibit; we may post more in the weeks to come:
The old gymnasium which was used from 1886 until 1918.
A classroom in the third Academy Building, which was lost to fire in 1914.
Abbot Hall (built 1855), the Academy’s first permanent dormitory, still exists, but it originally had a dining hall on a bottom floor.
An interior view of the now lost chemical lab building, circa 1890.
Using a new slideshow feature that WordPress recently introduced, we thought we would share some images of the Third Academy Building from the Archives. Before it was lost to fire in 1914, it occupied the same space as today’s Academy Building, but was built from far more flammable materials. While not much survived the conflagration, we have images to remind us how lovely it was.
As a special thank you, the Friends of the Academy Library recently received a new brochure on our magnificent building. In a letter to members, Robert N. Shapiro ’68, chair of the Friends, shared his thoughts on the new publication:
“[The brochure] features the story of the philosophy and design of the building, insights about the great architect Louis Kahn, explanations of the original construction and renovations over time, schematic diagrams and enthralling photos. The brochure meets a constant need, as visitors arrive from around the world to see the structure and understand its iconic power. Over a decade ago, in 1997, the building was recognized by the American Institute of Architects with its important Twenty-Five Year Award for the “enduring significance” of its design and its contribution “to American life and architecture” – if there were a thirty-five year award, it would be residing in Exeter as well, as would some day a fifty year award. I found that reading the brochure yielded fresh discoveries about the Academy and the design process that turned educational principles and aspirations into both an extraordinary structure and a vibrant home of thinking and learning.”
You can find out more about the Friends of the Academy Library on our main website.
To see this page from the new brochure, please click the image.
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