Radcliffe Camera, Oxford University, Oxford, England
by Neale And Judith Clark
Title
Radcliffe Camera, Oxford University, Oxford, England
Artist
Neale And Judith Clark
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Oxford University- The Radcliffe Camera from the tower of The University Church of St Mary the Virgin with Brasenose College to the left and All Souls college to the right - Oxford Radcliffe Camera Oxford Oxfordshire England UK GB Europe
The Radcliffe Camera (colloquially known as the "Rad Cam" or "The Camera"; from Latin camera, meaning 'room') is a building of Oxford University, England, designed by James Gibbs in neo-classical style and built in 1737–49 to house the Radcliffe Science Library. It is sited to the south of the Old Bodleian, north of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, and between Brasenose College to the west and All Souls College to the east. The Radcliffe Camera's striking circularity, its position in the heart of Oxford, and its separation from other buildings make it the focal point of the University of Oxford
The building is the earliest example in England of a circular library. It is built in three main stages externally and two stories internally, the upper one containing a gallery. The ground stage is heavily rusticated and has a series of eight pedimented projections alternating with niches. The central stage is divided into bays by coupled Corinthian columns supporting the continuous entablature. The pedimented windows stand above mezzanine openings, reflecting the interior arrangement. The top stage is a lanterned dome on an octagonal drum, with a balustraded parapet with vases.
The construction used local stone from Headington and Burford, which was then ashlar faced. The dome and cupola are covered with lead.
The arcade arches were fitted with iron grilles: three of them were gates which were closed at night, and which gave access to the library by a grand staircase. In 1863, when the building had become a reading-room of the Bodleian, the arches were glazed, a new entrance was created on the north side in place of a circular window, with stone steps leading up to the entrance
The area around the Library was originally partly paved, partly cobbled, and partly gravelled. In 1751 stone posts and obelisks surmounted by lamps were placed around the perimeter. All but the three at the entrance to Brasenose Lane were removed around 1827 when the lawns were laid and iron railings installed.
Alamy ref: 2D9FBNM
Uploaded
November 5th, 2020
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