I recently discovered a grand old SF institution, the Mechanic's Institute Library, because the Japan Society sometimes holds events there (I was there for a talk by the author of Zeros Over Berlin). The Library is still active, here's their website, but the thing that most struck we was the gorgeously detailed building and staircase. This is an environment it would be great to reference someday, here are some quick pictures I snapped with the camera I had with me.
Images are links to larger versions.
Mechanic's Library Main Room (archival) |
Looking Up (soft) |
Looking Down Angled 2 |
Angled Down 1 |
Looking Down 2 (soft) |
Down and Towards Library |
Across 1 |
Halfway Down (soft) |
Top of Stair Details |
Landing (soft) |
Landing Details (soft) |
Intersecting Handrails |
Curved Window (soft) |
Down and Towards Library 2 (soft) |
Looking Down (soft) |
Looking Down 3 (soft) |
Partway Down (soft) |