Oxford Libraries Architecture

About the event

Discover the architecture of over fifty of Oxford’s most beautiful libraries in Oxford Libraries Architecture.

Few other cities boast such a wealth of libraries in so concentrated a space. Designed by renowned architects including Sir Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Arne Jacobsen, these buildings represent a treasure trove of architectural virtuosity spanning 800 years, all within the compact heart of Oxford.

From the medieval splendour of Merton College and the Bodleian Old Library to the bold designs of twenty-first century libraries such as Zaha Hadid’s new library for St Antony’s Middle East Centre and the transformation of Oxford Brookes with the construction of the John Henry Brookes building, this discussion will showcase our world-class libraries, illustrated with specially commissioned photography.

Samuel Fanous will be in conversation with Geoffrey Tyack, William Whyte and photographer Dan Paton. To celebrate this landmark publication, the talk will be followed by a drinks reception and book signing. The book will be available to buy at the special price of £40 for this evening only.

Speakers

Geoffrey Tyack is the author of Oxford Libraries Architecture and Emeritus Fellow of Kellogg College, University of Oxford, as well as President of the Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society and a former trustee of the Oxford Preservation Trust.

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Dan Paton is a commercial photographer specialising in architecture, lighting, interiors and the built environment. He is the photographer for Oxford Libraries Architecture.

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William Whyte is Professor of Social and Architectural History at Oxford University and chair of the Oxford Preservation Trust, the Oxford Historical Society, and the Victoria County History of Oxfordshire. He is also a trustee of English Heritage and chair of the Blue Plaques Panel.