Streetscape Curator

What a blur! But it’s important to slow down and take in Boston’s beauty.

I’ve been busy documenting, exploring, and researching Boston’s historic nooks. I’m learning a lot! These snaps are a few of the places I’ve glided by recently. If you want to learn more you’re in luck!

I’ve been asked time and time again to lead a bicycle tour of the city. Now is your chance! Ride with me and on June 13 at 1pm for a tour highlighting Boston’s infrastructure and architecture. This is part of A Better City’s long running Guided Ride series. We might just pass some of the places featured here. There is only one way to find out!

You’ll also spot me on another episode of on ! Tune in to learn where the word “mall” comes from.

Always more to come.

This is your National Library Week reminder to look up.

The Boston Public Library was built as a palace for the people. The architect, Charles Follen McKim, pulled in every friend and favor to make it a true celebration of artistry and craftsmanship. (And still went way over budget).

This attention to detail was given to every element of mosaic floor to vaulted ceiling. This is a collect of several grand view toppers that are truly fit for a palace and one that gives more of a mall vibe, but somehow still fits.

I’ll guide you to slide five. It’s a view I feel gets lost in among the mix of lofty highlights. When built in 1895, this was the patent library and houses nearly 5,000 volumes. It then became the children’s room!

Many of the spaces were built by Rafael Guastavino. His craftsmanship delighted McKim so much, that he chose to leave many of the ceilings unadorned to show off his work. He also made the mosaic on the first slide. Maybe more impressive is this was his first commission on the US.

I’ve hardly space to talk about Sargent, Abbey, and Puvis de Chavannes. Just go be friends with artists. Your life will be better for it.