Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2024.FIC.022 |
Object Name |
Block, Printing |
Title |
Trenton Free Public Library First Floor Printing Block |
Description |
This black metal printing plate features an embossed floor plan of the first floor of the Trenton Free Public Library. Attached to a brown cuboid wooden block, the plate depicts the layout of the library's first floor, with various rooms and labels in reverse. The design includes detailed representations of the vestibule, alcoves, hall, coat room, toilets, children's room, loan desk, delivery room, catalog area, stack room, and reading room. The various sections are split into smaller squares, rectangles, and half-circles that represent the arrangement of rooms, bookcases, tables, and seating areas. The plan also includes inscriptions that label each room and area, such as "VESTIBULE," "COAT ROOM," "MEN'S TOILET," "WOMAN'S TOILET," "CHILDRENS ROOM 23 x 18," "LOAN DESK," "DELIVERY ROOM 23 x 14," and "STACK ROOM. TOTAL CAP 50,000 VOLS," among others. The intricate design is meant to represent the layout of the first floor as seen from a bird's-eye view. The back of the block has two yellow pieces of paper attached to it, which may have further context or notes about its use. This printing block was used to create images for a pamphlet distributed during the Trenton Free Public Library's dedication in 1902. The library was built on land previously occupied by the Trenton Academy, and the construction was designed by architect Spencer Roberts. Notably, despite being built in a similar style to Carnegie Libraries, the Trenton Free Public Library did not receive funding from Andrew Carnegie, as the city chose not to accept his financial support to maintain its independence. The Trenton Free Public Library remains in use at the same location to this day, with major additions made in 1913 and 1976. |
Date |
1902 |
Material |
Wood, Metal, Paper |
Artist |
Unknown |
Height (in) |
4.000 |
Length (in) |
4.000 |
Width (in) |
0.750 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Abrasions, accretions and discolorations throughout. Front: A couple of screws are missing near the right side. There are white accretions on the bottom of the metal plate near the right side. And finally, there is an abrasion near the bottom left corner. Right Side: There is a black discoloration all over the wood. Also, there are white accretions all over the metal. Back: The piece of the paper on the bottom appears to be torn at multiple points. The piece of paper on top has black accretions all over it. There is an abrasion near the top right corner. And finally, there are black and paper accretions near the top left corner. Left Side: There is a black discoloration all over the wood. Also, there are white accretions all over the metal. Top: There is a black discoloration all over the wood. Also, there are white accretions all over the metal. Bottom: There are black discolorations all over the wood. There are white accretions all over the metal. And finally, there are abrasions on the right side. |
Inscription Type |
Inscription |
Inscription Location |
Front, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"MENS" Line 1 "TOILET" Line 2 "COAT" Line 3 "ROOM" Line 4 "WOMANS" Line 5 "TOILET" Line 6 "TOTAL CAP" Line 7 "50,000 VOLS" Line 8 "STACK ROOM" Line 9 "READING ROOM" Line 10 "23 x 32" Line 11 "LOAN DESK" Line 12 "DELIVERY ROOM" Line 13 "23 x 14" Line 14 "CATALOGUE" Line 15 "HALL" Line 16 "21 x 21" Line 17 "23 x 18 ALCOVE VISTBULE ALCOVE CHILDRENS ROOM" Line 18 "23 x 18" Line 19 |
People |
Spencer Roberts Adam Strohm |
Classification |
Architecture Libraries |
Subjects |
Metals Printmaking Printmaking equipment Metalwork Writing Writing materials Wood Wood blocks Books Buildings Libraries (Rooms & spaces) |
Search Terms |
Metal Wood Paper Black Brown Library Toilet Coat Room Childrens Room 1902 20th Century Vestibule Reading Room Library Spencer Roberts Adam Strohm First Floor Delivery Room 50,000 Volumes Printing Block Printing Plate Letter Press Trenton Free Public Library First Floor Printing Block Trenton Free Public Library |
Provenance |
Found in collection |