The Bus Trip 6: Lambeth Palace Library

Good morning and here we are in the heart of London, virtually: https://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/ 

Actually, we are more fortunate than physical visitors, as the Library is closed at the moment while the collection is shifted into a new building designed for the purpose at Lambeth. The Library does not re-open until 2021. 

The new building has been a cause of some controversy, as the architects seem to have put function before form, modernity before tradition, and knowledge before Victorianism. As guests it is best not to get caught up in this imbroglio, but you may wish to read opinions about one of the unsuccessful applicants for the design: https://nicklouras.wordpress.com/2020/06/09/lambeth-palace-library-as-it-might-have-been/

While for balance, this is a magazine notice about the winning entry: https://www.dezeen.com/2016/09/09/wright-wright-lambeth-palace-new-addition-library-london-historic-home-archbishop-canterbury/ 

Here is a short colourful film about an exhibition at the Library: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYm4f5oeGaU 

While down the corridor there is a lecture on the Library that is just about to start. It is to be given by the Lambeth librarian Giles Mandelbrote. You are advised though that, a lecture being a lecture, it goes for an hour: https://vimeo.com/63837610 

Then you have the rest of the day free, but if you find yourself stuck in London traffic we have supplied this special brochure for your interest, ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries’: https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-09-02/10-of-the-worlds-most-beautiful-libraries?fbclid=IwAR3Bs3MjAis8kPMEOYQ2AFWZ9UJi_GQfXjkExEkYVBIpJesBQco-rptEytY&verso=true 

Philip Harvey

Tour Guide