Civic

Los Angeles Central Public Library

A rich visual programme for one of Los Angeles’s most distinctive public buildings.

Archive article

Los Angeles Central Public Library

Los Angeles, California

On the north façade, the Philosopher stands at left and the Poet at right, framing the seal of the State of California.

The Well of Scribes was removed with the fountains from the library’s west side in 1969. It disappeared for fifty years before half of it resurfaced in an antique shop in Bisbee, Arizona; the other half remains missing.

The Torch of Knowledge finial rises above the tiled pyramid roof of the Los Angeles Public Library. A replica can also be seen inside on the second floor.

Lawrie used the torch as the crowning symbol of the library’s sculptural programme: the light of knowledge carried forward through literature, history and the printed word. The Greek lettering on its arm translates as “Light” or “Lamp”.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles Central Public Library

The Well of Scribes, Los Angeles, California — The Well of Scribes

The Philosopher and the Poet, Los Angeles Central Public Library, Los Angeles, California — The Philosopher and the Poet, Los Angeles Central Public Library

Hesper and Phosphor, Los Angeles, California — Hesper and Phosphor

Chandelier with zodiac figures, Los Angeles, California — Chandelier with zodiac figures

Information on the chandelier in the Rotunda, Los Angeles, California — Information on the chandelier in the Rotunda

The Torch of Knowledge finial, Los Angeles, California — The Torch of Knowledge finial

The Torch of Knowledge replica inside the library, Los Angeles, California — The Torch of Knowledge replica inside the library

Torch flame detail, Los Angeles, California — Torch flame detail

Hand and torch detail, Los Angeles, California — Hand and torch detail

Greek inscription for “Light” or “Lamp”, Los Angeles, California — Greek inscription for “Light” or “Lamp”

War memorial sculpture