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The Gothic Library, Inspiration

The Library is one of the many rooms that catches your eye because its very shape prioritizes architectural influences rather than what can be found inside. 

The piece is the typical rectangle of the adjoining rooms, yet Fisher has created a grand cathedral ceiling for the apex. A splendid stained glass window accentuates the central peak and spans the entirety of the back wall.  

<a href="/omeka/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=50&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+Clipping+from+an+Article+entitled%2C+%E2%80%9CProportion+and+Patterns%2C%E2%80%9D+1955+April+18">A Clipping from an Article entitled, “Proportion and Patterns,” 1955 April 18</a> <a href="/omeka/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=50&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+Zoom+of+the+Stained+Glass+Window+in+the+Gothic+Library%2C+created+by+Mrs.+Fisher%2C+%5Bca.+1950s-1960s%5D">A Zoom of the Stained Glass Window in the Gothic Library, created by Mrs. Fisher, [ca. 1950s-1960s]</a>

An Accompanying Article, written by Eliot Elisofon in Life magazine states:

The cavernous interior is saved from gloom by its perfect proportions and the soaring sweep of the tremendous beams and rafters, some of which are 45 feet long, the equal of the widest Gothic cathedral nave in England." 

The manipulation of the structure truly draws the eye immediately to the apex of the piece, with not only the beautiful stained glass window to entertain, but the sloped ceiling which houses an intricate chandelier in the center. 



While the structure itself is formidable, the interior touches bring the room to life. Dramatic lighting, ornate dressing, and pieces that speak to Mrs. Fisher's influence from the Scrapbook, for the gothic elements are very much at play in the room, almost in an identical manner. 

<a href="/omeka/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=50&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+Clipping+from+and+Article+entitled%2C+%E2%80%9CCraftsman+in+Common+Materials%E2%80%9D%2C+1955+April+18%3B+A+Clipping+from+and+Article+entitled%2C+%E2%80%9CThe+Versatile+Hoop-and-Stick+Chair%2C%22+1955+May+30.">A Clipping from and Article entitled, “Craftsman in Common Materials”, 1955 April 18; A Clipping from and Article entitled, “The Versatile Hoop-and-Stick Chair," 1955 May 30.</a>

(Left) An image of the chandeliers in the Gothic revival style clipped by Mrs. Fisher. (Right) A Picture of an Oil Painting Portrait from the article focusing on Gothic revival styles. 

Even the furniture choices and patterns were sculpted by the revival style that influenced the Gothic period. 

<a href="/omeka/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=50&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Comparison+of+Mahogany+and+Patterned+Furniture+in+the+Gothic+Library+room%2C+from+Life+Magazine%2C+%5Bca.+1955%5D.">Comparison of Mahogany and Patterned Furniture in the Gothic Library room, from Life Magazine, [ca. 1955].</a>

The following item depicts a comparison of the research and inspiration for the furniture in the Gothic library.

Now, let's travel to the last room, Fisher's Early American Kitchen!