Folger Shakespeare Library (continued)

Sculptures in the Garden

Outside the library, there is a small garden featuring sculptures inspired by scenes from Shakespeare's works. I think the artist had a brilliant idea, as the sculptures feel incredibly lifelike. Just look at the expressions on the characters' faces!

King Lear, Act 3, scene 2

Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 1

Puck Statue

One of the most prominent sculptures is of Puck, a mischievous character from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. This bronze statue is located near the entrance, capturing Puck's playful and whimsical nature. It was created by sculptor Brenda Putnam in 1932. Puck is shown seated with a flute, embodying his trickster role.

Bas-Reliefs of Shakespearean Scenes

The exterior of the library features bas-relief sculptures that depict iconic scenes from several of Shakespeare’s plays. These marble reliefs, created by sculptor John Gregory, were part of the original design from 1932 when the library was built. The scenes include famous moments from plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Tempest. Each relief captures critical dramatic moments, emphasizing the themes of Shakespeare’s work.

The Nine Muses

Above the entrance of the library, there are carvings of the Nine Muses, representing the Greek goddesses of inspiration for literature, science, and the arts. These figures symbolize the broad intellectual and artistic mission of the Folger Library, emphasizing its dedication to both scholarship and creativity.

These sculptures complement the neoclassical architecture of the library and give a visual narrative that honors Shakespeare’s contributions to literature and the arts.

Folger Shakespeare Library

 While ago, a friend of mine notified me that the Folger Shakespeare Library has recently completed its renovations and opened to the public.  When my friend Justin invited me to visit Washington, DC, I suggested we visit Folger's Library.   

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the most important centers for the study of Shakespeare. It was founded in 1932 by Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger. The library is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, including 82 First Folios (the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623), as well as a vast collection of other rare books, manuscripts, and art from the early modern period (1500–1750).

The building itself is designed in a neoclassical style with a beautiful marble exterior, featuring bas-reliefs of scenes from Shakespeare's plays. Inside, the library is both a research center and a cultural venue, offering exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

While Shakespeare is the centerpiece, the Folger also holds materials related to other Renaissance writers, explorers, and historical figures. Its collections include manuscripts, letters, and early printed books from the 16th and 17th centuries. 

 The library also hosts a theater, the Folger Theatre, which presents regular performances of Shakespeare’s plays and other classic works.

We explored five sections of the library.  They are Great Hall; Reading Room; Theater; Shakespeare Exhibition Hall and Rear Book & Manuscript Exhibition Hall.  

Shakespeare Exhibition Hall

Great Hall

Reading Room

Theater

Rear Book & Manuscript Hall

Cant resist the earrings from the gift shop that match the designs with all the windows!

Road trip to West Virginia-5) The drive on I-68

 Drive back from West Virgina back to Maryland is a pure pleasure, especially for me as a passenger whose duty is to capture the beauty of the road site with a camera.  Thank you, Steve for driving! Here are some video clips from near Cumberland, Maryland on I-68 highway.  Enjoy!

Road trip to West Virginia-4) Island in the Sky Trail

Right behind Glade Creek Grist Mill is Island in the Sky Trail.  We were curious from the name of the trail and did a hike.  I imagined I would see some islands...

This trail is a lesser-known, rocky and hilly.  The trail is also narrow and often embraced by huge rocks.   It leads us deep in the woods.  But there were no islands to be seen only dense forest.  We did part of it and came out of it so we do not spend a sunny day in the dark woods.

According to internet search, the trail will lead you to the rocky terrain at the top provides stunning vantage points where you can enjoy sweeping views of Babcock State Park) Well, we will have to make sure to do that next time.

Here are some photos we snapped.

Road trip to West Virginia -3) Bobcock State Park, Glade Creek Grist Mill

Babcock State Park, located in Fayette County, West Virginia, covers 4,127 wooded acres along the New River Gorge and is about 20 miles from the New River Gorge Bridge. During our visit, we explored its famous Glade Creek Grist Mill.

The Glade Creek Grist Mill is one of West Virginia's most photographed landmarks, set against the picturesque backdrop of Glade Creek and the Appalachian Mountains. This replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which once stood nearby, was constructed in 1976 using parts salvaged from other historic mills in the area.

Although the mill is typically fully operational, it was not running when we visited. The staff explained that the water flow that day was too weak to power the mill. As seen in our photos, the stream was indeed low and lacked the strength needed for operation.

Road trip to West Virginia -2)New River Gorge National Park- Long Point Trail

The Long Point Trail in New River Gorge National Park is one of the area’s most popular hikes, offering incredible views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The trail is approximately 3.2 miles round trip and is rated moderately difficult, making it a great option for both casual and experienced hikers.

Steve and I chose this trail for our hike. After a short drive from the visitor center to the trailhead near Fayetteville, we set off on a path that winds through lush forests of oak and pine. The trail begins with a paved section before leading us into the woods. The terrain is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines. As we walked, we enjoyed the peacefulness of the forest.

The highlight of the trail is the Long Point overlook, a rocky outcrop that extends over the gorge, offering a stunning panoramic view of the New River Gorge Bridge, the river below, and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The view from Long Point is one of the best in the park, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

Along the trail, we met a young woman who was a talented photographer and eager to take photos of Steve and me, leaving us with some memorable shots.

The national park did an excellent job posting clear trail markers and points of interest throughout the park, along with providing a detailed map for visitors.

Road trip to West Virginia - 1)New River Gorge National Park-Visitor Center

Upon arriving at the visitor center, we walked to two of the viewpoints for stunning views of the famous New River Gorge Bridge and the gorge below. The New River Gorge Bridge, an iconic landmark in West Virginia, was completed in 1977. At the time, it was the longest single-span arch bridge in the world and remains the third longest in the U.S. today. The bridge stretches 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge and towers 876 feet above the river, offering breathtaking vistas of the gorge and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Visitors can admire the bridge from the Canyon Rim Visitors Center, which features an observation deck with panoramic views of both the bridge and the gorge. A new wooden staircase leads down to a lower viewing platform, providing an even closer perspective.