Post by Laurel Lamb, Curator of Education and Engagement
Like many, COVID-19 has left me with lots of time at home this summer. I decided to delve into cross stitching to keep me busy. One of my projects ended up being this lamp.
It was inspired by this lamp from the U of A Museum.
Origins of the Lamp
As U of A – Fayetteville campus grows and changes through the years, the Museum strives to preserve pieces of it. For instance, when the 1906 original Chemistry building housing the School of Social Work was demolished to make way for a new Student Success Center in 2019, University facilities worked with us to save this exterior building signage.
Beyond architectural elements, we also take in campus equipment, furniture and other pieces that hold value for future exhibits and research. These items range from the very first computer on U of A campus (possibly in the state!) to discarded lab equipment.
The lamp lived in Vol Walker Hall for many years. Check out this photo and this photo (1956) from the University Libraries Digital Collections to see them in action! The Classical Revival building was first constructed to hold the University’s library in 1935. In 1968, it also became home to the School of Architecture and Design. The U of A Museum even held spaces in the building through the years. We accepted the lamp in 2001.
Learn more about:
- Campus Buildings History
- University Libraries History
- Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design History