Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Chicago Cultural Center [Sidney R. Yates Gallery]



Sidney R Yates Gallery..
Chicago Cultural Center..
Originally the library's main reading room. This gallery is named for Illinois Congressman Sidney R. Yates [1909-2000], tireless advocate for the arts.
The hall was "likely" designed by Robert Spencer of the lead architects of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.

The interior surfaces were created by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. The deeply recessed coffered ceiling and rich Renaissance ornamentation encrusting the tall pilasters were originally finished in layers of translucent paint that reflected light from a shimmering plaster skin, while the walls were rubbed with layers of pigment. The bold saturated red of the walls, possibly a reference to the late 19th century excavations at Pompeii where the red interior walls characterized the ancient site, alarmed and excited the original Victorian visitors
[Reference: Tour guide leaflet at the Chicago Cultural Center]


Latin words "Lux et Veritas" are repeated on green and silver pilasters, meaning, "light and Truth".



Coffered Ceiling details..



Details..


RELATED LINKS:
# Chicago Cultural Center..

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I have been to Cultural Center many times - NEVER seen this!