Deering Library Construction Photographs

The series consists of four binders of black and white photographs documenting the construction process and the newly finished structure of the Charles Deering Library. With two or three exceptions, all photographs were taken by the Chicago Architectural Photographing Company.

Two smaller binders contain photographs (measuring 9-1/4" x 7-1/4") dating from July 13, 1931, to May 26, 1932, depicting each stage of the exterior construction process from bare ground to completed, windowless exterior. These photographs are not captioned, but are identified with the date and negative number (as well as the name of the project, the contractor, and the photographic company) on the face of the image. Although there is a rough chronological order in these binders, there is some duplication of images.

The larger binders, intended for presentation, contain wide-margined photographs (measuring 9-1/4" x 7-1/4") of the finished building, dating from approximately 1932-1933. Images include views of the exterior from various angles and distances, and photographs of the interior--each office, public space, and storage area throughout the building. The interior photographs include close-up views of some of the detailing (stenciled ceilings, sculptures, carved trim) that made the building impressive, and the features (card catalogs, delivery desks, stack areas, reading rooms) that made it a modern research library. The binders begin with photographs of the exterior, followed by interior shots. Few of the photographs are captioned on the back, but almost all have negative numbers on the face of the image and the photographic company's stamp on the back. The images in these two binders duplicate each other to some extent.