Modernist Monday - Libraries

All my inter-semester for-fun reading has been possible thanks to Delaware's New Castle County library system. The only drawback is their pesky 6 month probation period for new members. I can only check out 12 items at a time, with three audio-visual items at most. What, are they afraid I'm just there to pirate their DVDs? That I will return books scribbled with crayon? Happily, my probation ends next week. To celebrate, I'm posting pictures of the very cool looking library branches I like to visit.

Brandywine Hundred is my usual stop. I love how it combines glass and steel with the stonework traditional in this region.

On each pillar of the back loggia is a plaque explaining an article from the Bill of Rights. 

The Kirkwood Highway branch is farther away, so its my alternative destination if I'm going to campus and want a book Brandywine doesn't have. This is a more modernist building, and was just finished last year. Unlike Brandywine, it is only one story. The tall ceiling is deceptive.

Both branches have nice outdoor seating areas that seem to get a lot of use in warm weather.  You can see Kirkwood's surrounded by that little flagstone fence.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go home and read some more books wrapped in those crinkly plastic covers. I love that sound.

Modernist Monday - Conference Edition

While I was sanely attending conference panels instead of rallies this weekend, I learned about some awesomely crazy modern architecture. A few years ago Chanel decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic 2.55 bag with a mobile art exhibit. The resulting UFO-like building was designed by celebrity architect Zaha Hadid. I had never heard of her before I went to grad school, but now I find her work very entertaining. Just say her name out - even that sounds fun.

So here she is with Karl Lagerfeld in her fashion-inspired building that can be dis-assembled into 56 crates of materials. Apparently it was the hot place to be in Central Park for a while. Note how the lines on the walls look like the seams on the iconic quilted handbag.



Isn't that fabulous? It makes me imagine Karl and Zaha in one of the Fug Girls' imagined dialogues. Karl would say something like "Fashion is architecture for the body. BUILD." or "Your presence decorates the walls of your creation. CONNOISE."

Modernist Monday - Kids Edition

The other day I had the TV on as I was getting ready to head to school, and a show called Willa's Wildlife came on. It seemed like a generic cartoon about a girl and talking animals, but then I got a look at her house. Wow! The home was full of angular, clean lines and furniture with mid 20th century flair. It was a little reminiscent of the Brady Bunch home, but it was also unique and fun. There was much more attention to detail than in some other animated shows. (As the oldest of five kids I have seen plenty of programming rated Y.)


I did a little Googling and discovered that Willa's Wildlife is a relatively new show that originated in Canada and Australia. Kids book An Octopus Followed Me Home by Dan Yaccarino is the basis for the concept. The fun architecture and interiors are the work of artist Adrian Thatcher, whose blog provided these images. He recently won a daytime Emmy Award for his art direction. I say, keep up the great work, and keep exposing kids to good design!

Modernist Monday - Shakespeare edition

I'm not opposed to a well done modern adaptation of Shakespeare plays; they can help you see the timeless language in a new light. This weekend I watched the 1995 film of Richard III starring Ian McKellen. It was amazing! The 1930s setting had great costumes and music, plus it gave Richard's tyranny a fascist feel. The best moment was Richard at the wheel of a stalled jeep shouting "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!" If that weren't enough, this movie stars just about every British actor you've ever heard of, plus Robert Downey Jr. for good measure.

There were some great modernist buildings used as sets, particularly old power stations. The Tower of London was re-imagined as the Tate Modern gallery building, which is itself an adapted power station. Richard's office headquarters also had striking clean lines. There were even a few art deco touches, like a candy bowl with cobra handles.

What made this modernity even more effective was its contrast with older styles of buildings. I got really excited when I recognized some of our stops on the London trip! King Edward's last days were filmed at the rockin' Brighton Pavilion. Not gonna lie, the best part of the king's deathbed was the overhead shot of the lotus chandeliers. Other royal spaces featured a lot of Gothic revival elements - even the bathroom. Yes, at Horace Walpole's Strawberry Bank estate, there are urinals with Gothic borders. Crazy! Definitely check this movie out if you are interested in historical intrigue in dramatic settings.

Source for view of the Tate Modern

Modernist Monday - Art Nouveau Vestments

On one of my "sacristy raids" on Thursday I found something quite remarkable - Art Nouveau vestments! Since Art Nouveau was only really popular for a decade or two at the turn of the twentieth century, I feel fairly confident dating the set to that period. This set is also unusual because it is made of black silk. Black vestments can only be worn for somber occasions such as All Souls' Day and funerals. Most Catholic and Episcopal churches today don't use them, instead favoring white vestments that point to the Resurrection. Despite their dark coloring, the Art Nouveau vestments are full of signs of new life. Embroidered panels on the black damask and green orphreys feature butterflies, pomegranates, a peacock, and even a PHOENIX. The text at the bottom of a dalmatic (deacon's robe) reads "Requiescat in pace."

These are so rockin', I wish I could have them worn at my own funeral. Is that too morbid? Eh, these are too lovely to care about such things.

Update May 4, 2012. I feel quite honored that Shawn Tribe of the New Liturgical Movement blog linked to this post today. Welcome new visitors, and many thanks to the comment informing me about Arts and Crafts embroidery. If you are interested in my master's thesis research on Episcopal vestments, you can read more posts about it here.

Modernist Monday - with special effects by the moderator of the Church of Scotland

Yesterday while dipping into my roomie's Monty Python DVD set I discovered this hilarious fictional tv theme sequence. One could argue its design significance as an example of 1970s spy action film motifs. Also, The Bishop is wearing a pretty sweet cope with coordinating stole. You Tube wouldn't let me embed the entire sketch, but you can watch it here for even more sweet crosier smiting action.

Modernist Monday

Since I was in St. Louis this weekend, today's installment has to be THE ARCH. Designed by modernist master Eero Saarinen in 1947, it wasn't completed until 1967, after his death. Today it stands as a symbol of the city that is the "Gateway to the West."


After living in STL for a year, I feel like I have a relationship with this structure. It was pretty much love at first sight. Sleek, shapely, and shiny, this silver fox will win you over with photogenic good looks. My roommates have been known to greet him/her/it with a "Heyyyy Arch, lookin' fine!"

The arch is hands down one of the finest public monuments I've ever seen. It truly belongs to everyone in the city. Even if you're not at the riverfront, you can catch glimpses from tall buildings and highway ramps. I've used it as a directional beacon on many drives around town. One of my favorite views is heading east on Market Street with the Arch beckoning in the distance. It's a loyal and sturdy friend, always offering a greeting and reminding you of what a great city you are in.

Modernist Monday

Source

Ok, after my super-serious post it's time for something more fun. Today's selection is contemporary architecture. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently finished a huge expansion wing, which my class visited on our Southern Trip a few weeks ago. The new building feels spacious, bright, and easy to navigate. The orange chairs make a great photo op too.

Introducing...Modernist Monday!

Even though I love things that are hundreds of years old, I also have a soft spot for modern design. Sometimes I think it's gorgeous; other times I think it is hideous but I can't look away.

So I've decided I'll post some modern design every Monday. To start here's a music stand model designed by Wharton Esherick in the 1960s. I've been on a field trip to his workshop and home in Paoli, PA, and it's amazing! It's like a tree house nestled in the woods, plus they let you touch all the furniture. What more could you want?