Richmond VA Library Interior, 1933-1940 Historical Photo

This vintage photograph captures a library interior in Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant documentation project aimed at preserving the architectural heritage of the American South. The detailed layout showcases the arrangement of chairs and bookcases typical of early 20th-century libraries, reflecting the design aesthetics of the time.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her contributions to the field of architectural photography. This photograph, taken between 1933 and 1940, exemplifies her ability to capture the essence of interior spaces, highlighting the functionality and elegance of library environments.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this image is an important historical artifact that contributes to understanding the architectural developments of Richmond. It invites viewers to appreciate the design principles that influenced library spaces in the early 1900s.