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Title: Library Company Blue Plate
Description: Blue and white transferware, by J. & W. Ridgway, Shelton, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, between 1814 and 1830. Part of J. & W. Ridgway’s “Beauties of America Series.” Depicts the Library Company's 5th St. building surrounded by a border of medallions of roses and leaves., Gift of Donald H. Cresswell, 1997., Exhibited in Haverford College's exhibition, The Pennsylvania Landscape: Colonial to Contemporary (2007).
Creator: J. & W. Ridgway
Date: Between 1814-1830
Location: OBJ 607a

Title: Glass Panel with Library Company's Seal
Description: Yellow glass with the painted seal of the Library Company., Six panes of glass that were probably salvaged from the 5th Street building and/or Furness building before it was torn down.
Location: OBJ 716

Title: Engraving Plate for Large Library Company Bookplate
Description: Shows the Library Company’s seal.
Location: OBJ 688

Title: Engraving Block for Small Library Company Bookplate
Description: Reads, "The Library Company of Philadelphia."
Location: OBJ 697

Title: Library Company Fire Buckets
Description: Buckets were the first means of defense against a fire in the 18th century. Home owners and businesses purchased them from saddlers or bellow-makers and had their name painted on them (to distinguish them from the public or fire company buckets). They were kept hanging in a convenient location in the building at all times., Six leather buckets inscribed, Library Company of Philadelphia, with a ornamental scroll above and a sunburst below., LCP Minutes vol. 6., Feb. 7, 1797, p. 64: “The Librarian was instructed to purchase six good large leathern buckets, painted with the words “Library Company of Philadelphia,” to be kept in the Library-Hall.” Vol. 6, Apr. 6, 1797, p. 65 : “The Librarian produced an account, amounting to L7.17.6, for six fire buckets, procured by directions of the board, for which amount an order was drawn on the Treasurer in his favor.”, Purchased by the Library Company in 1797., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Date: Ca. 1797
Location: OBJ 516

Title: Urn
Description: Part of balastrade around the roof the Library Company's 5th Street building, 1789-1888.
Date: Ca. 1789
Location: OBJ 529

Title: Seal of the Union Library Company
Description: The Union Library, founded in 1746, merged into the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1769., Image of an open book and two hands shaking. Inscription on outer ring of the seal reads, “Union Library Company Philadelphia.” Motto below this reads, “Read But Chuse.”, Acquired when the Union Library merged with LCP, 1769.
Date: 18th century
Location: OBJ 159

Title: Library Tables
Description: Two library tables with pine tops covered with red leather. Baluster turned legs joined by rectangular stretchers, which are molded on top. Ball feet. Drawer in apron has decorative brass pulls and key plate. One table lacks key plate. Original covering was likely green baize., Purchased by the Library Company, ca. 1740.
Date: ca. 1740
Location: OBJ 016

Title: Candle Lantern
Description: This tallow candle lantern formerly hung in the entrance to the Library's 5th St. building. It was preserved and rehung in the Ridgway Branch., Purchased by the Library Company from Poultney & Wilson in 1791.
Location: OBJ 038

Title: Model for the Ridgway Library
Description: The Ridgway Library was built with a million dollar bequest from Dr. James Rush with the condition that he would choose the site. It was named in honor of Dr. Rush’s wife, Phoebe Ann Ridgway Rush., This model was made for comparative purposes in choosing the architecture for the Ridgway Branch of the Library Company. The model was supplied by Addison Hutton, the architect of the Ridgway Library at Broad and Christian Streets., Made for the Library Company, ca. 1870.
Creator: Hutton, Addison, 1834-1916, architect
Date: 1870
Location: OBJ 601

Title: Copper Cent Coin
Description: United States one cent piece, "Liberty" and "1801" on the obverse with "United States of America" and "One Cent" on the reverse., Given to commemorate the year the 204 Juniper St. building was built (1801)., Gift of the Women's Committee by Miss Gertrude Atkinson, Feb. 15, 1943.
Date: 1801
Location: OBJ 202

Title: Engraving Plate for Library Company Letterhead
Description: Reads: “Library Co. of Philadelphia, Philadelphia.” The Library Company’s seal is at the left.
Creator: Biddle Press
Date: Ca. 1939
Location: OBJ 687

Title: Cornerstone of Library Company Building at Fifth and Chestnut Streets
Description: Laid on August 31, 1789., The cornerstone was formerly embedded in the base of the statue of Benjamin Franklin (OBJ 596). At the time the cornerstone was laid, a collection of coins and medals was placed inside (OBJ 054)., Library Company Minutes vol. 3, September 3. 1789, p. 178: "The building Committee reported, That the first stone of the edifice was laid on the thirty =first of August last;- that upon the suggestion of Dr. Benjamin Franklin a large stone was prepared and laid at the south=west cornor (sic) of the building with the following Inscription, composed by the Doctor, except so far as relates to himself, which the committee have taken the liberty of adding to it:-`Be it remembered,/In honor of the Philadelphia Youth,/then chiefly Artificers/ That in MDCCXXXI,/They cheerfully,/At the Instance of Benjamin Franklin,/one of their Number,/Instituted the Philadelphia Library;/which, tho' small at first,/Is become highly valuable and extensively useful,/And which the Walls of this Edifice/Are now destined to contain and preserve;/The first stone of whose Foundation,/was here placed/The thirty-first day of August,/Anno Domini MDCCLXXXIX,/ Benjamin Gibbs, Josiah Hewes, John Kaighn, Mordecai Lewis, Thomas Morris, Thomas Parke, Joseph Paschall, Benjamin Poultney, Richard Wells, Richard Wistar, then being Directors-, Samuel Coats, Treasurer, William Rawle, Secretary, Zachariah Poulson, Junr., Librarian'". Vol. 3, September 3, 1789, p. 179-180 describes the coins and medals placed inside the cornerstone. Vol. 8, May 7, 1880, p. 332: "On motion, the matter of the removal of the cornerstone of the building at 5 & Library Sts was referred to Mr. Biddle as a Committee with power to act".
Creator: Thornton, William, 1759-1828, designer
Date: 1789
Location: OBJ 007

Title: Fireplace Tiles
Description: Colored tiles which were placed around the fireplace in the Librarian’s room. Depicts the Logan coat of arms with the inscription, “Haec Majorum Virtus,” the Penn coat of arms, and the Library Company's coat of arms., Purchased by the Library Company, 1882.
Creator: Minton, Hollins & Co.
Date: ca. 1882
Location: OBJ 012

Title: Windsor Chairs
Description: Made of various woods: legs and stretchers are maple; arms are mahogany; arm supports are oak; seat is poplar; bow is white oak; spindles are hickory., Library Company set includes 11 chairs., Purchased by the Library Company from Joseph Henzey, Dec. 1792 for 11 pounds, five shillings., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
Creator: Henzey, Joseph, Sr., 1743-1796
Date: 1792
Location: OBJ 014

Title: Liberty Displaying the Arts and Sciences, or The Genius of America Encouraging the Emancipation of the Blacks
Description: The painting is signed "S. Jennings Pinxt.1792" on a scroll in the lower right corner. The frame is original, made by the Philadelphia carver and gilder James Reynolds (c. 1736-1794)., LCP Minutes vol. 3, April 1, 1790, p. 195-197: "Extract of a Letter from Samuel Jennings, dated London January 12th, 1790. `My Dear Father. Having lately received Information that an Elegant Building is now erecting for the Philadelphia Library, an Idea immediately struck me, that if it would not be thought presumptuous, I should esteem myself very happy to have the honor of presenting a Painting to the Company that would be applicable to so noble, and useful an Institution, and which if agreeable to the Gentlemen who have the Directions of it, shall use my utmost exertion & abilities to make it acceptable; the great affection I retain for my native Country, will always be an inducement to me to contribute my mite towards the Encouragement of Arts and Sciences, hoping in due time, they will arrive to as great perfection as they are at present, in the place I now reside--- As I do not know who the Gentlemen are that have the direction of the Library, I request you will be so obliging as to communicate to them the Information I have given you, and if they should be pleased to approve of it, as I hope they will, it will be necessary for me to be acquainted with the length, breadth and height of the Room, together with the Situation they would wish to place in it, and if over the Fire-place, the distance from the Mantle-piece to the Ceiling-- You will perhaps think me too particular, but these are things essentially necessary--/As soon as I receive an answer from you with their approbation, which I hope will be by the first Packet from New York, or any other immediate opportunity, I shall put the piece into Execution., In regard to the subject, there are three, which I think would be applicable to the Institution vizt. Cleo - Goddess of History, and Heroic Poetry. Calliope - Goddess of Harmony, Rhetoric, & Heroic Poetry - Minerva- Goddess of Wisdom & all the Arts, The Presidentess of Learning, which seems to comprehend everything that can be desired.The dress of Minerva is grand, and would make a better picture than either of the others. But if my other Subject should be their choice, I shall with plesure, comply with it-' This handsome Compliment from one of our Fellow Citizens now in London, is gratefully received, and Mordecai Lewis, John Kaighn, Doctor Parke, Thomas Morris and Richard Wells, are appointed a Committee to prepare a Letter to go by the next Packet expressive of the high Sense which the Board entertain of the genteel proposal, and that the Committee take the subject of the picture into consideration, and transmit their opinion thereon-.", Vol. 3, May 6, 1790, p. 206-207: "The Committee appointed by the last board reported that they had transmitted a letter to Samuel Jennings in answer to his polite and liberal offer of a painting for this Institution which was read and ordered to be entered on the minutes--- `Phila. April 3, 1790, Esteemed Friend- The Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia having been furnished with an extract of thy letter respecting a Piece of Painting intended for the Library they have instructed us to transmit their grateful acknowledgments for so genteel a notice of their Institution--To recieve such a proof of Attachment from one of their Fellow-Citizens, at so great a distance, must be truly pleasing to every Member of the Company, to whom the Directors will have an opportunity of communicating it, at their annual Election next month-/ The Board have considered the three Subjects submitted to their Choice, and readily agree in giving a preference to that of Minerva; but as a more general latitude has been so politely granted, they take the liberty of suggesting an Idea of Substituting the figure of Liberty/with her Cap and proper Insignia/displaying the arts by some of the most striking Symbols of Painting, Architecture, Mechanics, Astronomy etc, whilst She appears in the attitude of placing on the top of a Pedestal, a pile of books, lettered with, Agriculture, Commerce, Philosophy, & Catalogue of Philadelphia Library., A broken chain under her feet, and in the distant background a Groupe of Negroes sitting on the Earth, or in some attitude expressive of Ease & Joy -/ This is handed merely as a Sketch of what struck the Directors, but they have so much diffidence on Subjects of this nature, that they wish to submit the whole to thy own Judgment-/ We are on behalf of the Directors very respectfully Thy Friends. Signed by Richard Wells, Thomas Morris, Thomas Parke, John Kaighn'., Gift of Samuel Jennings, 1792., Exhibited in: Art Institute of Chicago's exhibition, From Colony to Nation (1949); Corcoran Gallery of Art's exhibition, American Processional (1950); Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibtion, Negro History, 1553-1903 (1969); The National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, The Black Presence in the Era of the American Revolution, 1770-1800 (1973); Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibtion, Women 1500-1900 (1974); Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981); Corcoran Gallery of Art's exhibition, Facing History, The Black Image in American Art, 1710-1940 (1990).
Creator: Jennings, Samuel, active 1789-1834
Date: 1792
Location: OBJ 250

Title: Seal of the Library Company of Philadelphia
Description: The seal is a thick disc of brass. The surface is deeply engraved with the Library Company’s emblem, which Franklin designed. Its motto, composed by Franklin, reads “Communiter Bona profundere Dêum est,” which translates as “To pour forth benefits for the common good is divine.” On the reverse of the disc is cast a cylindrical stub, perforated with a hole to permit the metal to be fastened to a handle., Made for the Library Company, ca. 1731-1733., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Creator: Syng, Philip, 1703-1789
Date: Ca. 1731-1733
Location: OBJ 874

Title: Suggestion Box
Description: A suggestion box with the face of a lion depicted and the words, "Gentlemen are Requested to deposit in the Lion's Mouth the titles of such Books as they may wish to have Imported" painted underneath., Made for the Library Company., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Date: Ca. 1750
Location: OBJ 650

Title: George Campbell
Description: George Campbell was the librarian of the Library Company, 1806-1829 and on the board of directors from 1836-1855. This portrait was painted for the Musical Fund Society, of which Campbell was president., Gift of Edwin Wolf 2nd, 1960., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, In Living Color: Collecting Color Plate Books (2007).
Creator: Sully, Thomas, 1783-1872
Date: 1856
Location: OBJ 666

Title: Engraving Plate of Library Company Receipt
Description: With glass negative of the Library Company seal. Reads: “Philadelphia__ 18__, The Library Company of Philadelphia having received from you __ The Directors of the institution have instructed me to transmit you their thanks. I have the honour to be, Your obedient servant.” Marked on the back, “Keim Phila.”
Date: 19th century
Location: OBJ 686

Title: Engraving Block for James Cox Bookplate
Description: Reads: “No. __, The Library Company of Philadelphia, Purchased from James Cox, Artist of the City of Philadelphia, Communiter Bona Profundere Deum Est.”
Location: OBJ 696

Title: Coins from the Cornerstone
Description: Framed collection of medals and coins. Inscribed plate on the frame: “These coins and medals were deposited in the Cornerstone of the Old Philadelphia Library on Fifth St., 1789 and were removed on the demolition of the building in 1888.” Within the frame are the following: 1.) British Half Penny 1773 2.) Connecticut Cent 3.) New Jersey Cent 1787 4.) Bronze Medal of Washington N.D. 5.) Franklin Plaque N.D. 6.) Medal Commemorating the Peace of 1783 7.) Nova Constellatio Cent 1785. The first U.S. coin 8.) Massachusetts Cent 1788, LCP Minutes vol. 3. Sept. 3, 1789, p. 179-180, “The following medals were deposited in the Stone-- A Pewter Coin 2 inches diameter, a figure [illegible] with a Helmet – Right hand a Spear – left hand a Knot, or Cord, from where suspends 4 Shields, being the Arms of 4 Crowns vizt. 1st England –On the right 2d three fleur de Lis/France/below on the right 3d a Lion rampant with a Sword in the right Paw, grasping a Bundle of Arrows in the other – Fourth—a Shield with a Lion rampant at two opposite corners of the Shield, the other two are confused. At the bottom is a detached Shield, as if lying on the ground, unconnected with the other four – The Figure appears to be a large head covering the whole Field—Round the inner Edge is Communi consenu-1789 stamped on this side by Rue – On the other side is a handsome Figure in Robes, sprinkled with Fleur de Lis, sitting in an armed Chair, resting on a raised Step, sprinkled also with Fleur de Lis- The left hand painting to a Pillar, with a Cap of Liberty on it – A female Figure in light Robes is hanging up a Shield on the Pillar having 13 Stripes – Round the inner Edge the Motto Libertas American, 1783. 1789 Stamped – A Copper Inch Coin. A Star radiating with thirteen small stars between the points of the Rays – The Motto Nova Constellatio – On the other Side a circular Wreath with the Letters U.S. – The Motto Libertas et Justitia 1785--1789 Stamped. – A Copper large Inch Coin, a Shield with thirteen Stripes – The Motto e pluribus unum – On the reverse a Plough with a Nags head over it –The Motto Nova Caesaria 1787 – 1789 Stamped –, A George the third half penny 1773. Stamped 1789 – Inch Copper Coin—on one side a Spread Eagle with Massachusett on the inner civil Date 1788 – on the reverse an Indian with a Bow in his Right, and an Arrow in his left hand Motto Commonwealth –Stamped 1789 -- Inch Copper Coin – a Casar’s (sic) head on one side with Vermont: Auctoritas on the inner Circle—On the reverse a Figure like Brittannia date 1785. Motto Inde:e4 Liber: Stamped 1789 – 1 3/4 inch a Medal – Roman head of Genl Washington—round the inner Edge G. Washington General of the Continental Army in America – On the Reverse a Trophy – Cannon, mortar, Trumpet & Rays shooting out all round Washin:reunit par un rare assemblage les talens du Guerrier, les Vertus du Sage.”
Date: Ca. 1773-1788
Location: OBJ 054

Title: Library Step-Stool
Description: Gift of David M. Doret and Linda G. Mitchell in memory of Robert Lindsley and Eric de Hoogh, 2019., Made for the Library Company’s Juniper and Locust Street Library branch, which was designed by Frank Furness and opened on February 24, 1880. Carved Library step stool with two steps and stabilizing arm topped with a carved finial.
Date: 1880
Location: OBJ 913

Title: Collection of Electrical Tubes and Leyden Jars
Description: Used in electrical experiments., See Library Company Minutes vol. 1, May 1, 1738-Oct. 11, 1742, p. 74, 76, 83, 86, 94, 125-126, for discussion about the air-pump and glass implements., Exhibited in the University of Pennsylvania Library’s exhibition, Benjamin Franklin Winston Churchill (1951).
Date: Ca. 1730s-1740s
Location: OBJ 606

Title: John Jay Smith
Description: John Jay Smith was the Library Company's Librarian from 1829-Feb. 1851 and Treasurer from 1840-1857., Painting is signed on the lower right., Receipt for portrait, frame, and tablet for name, dated April 13, 83, in vol. 3 of John Jay Smith's Recollections-manuscript copy [8442.F]., LCP Minutes vol. 8, May 3, 1883, p. 474: "Mr. L.P. Smith, having in behalf of himself and his brothers Mssrs. Robert P. Smith and Horace J. Smith, presented the Library Company with a portrait of the late John Jay Smith; the Secretary was directed to thank the donors, for the very acceptable gift of the portrait of one who had so long and faithfully served the Library Company.", Gift of Lloyd Pearsall Smith on behalf of himself and his brothers, Robert P. and Horace J. Smith, 1883., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Building a City of the Dead: The Creation and Expansion of Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill Cemetery (2010-2011).
Creator: Lambdin, James Reid, 1807-1889
Date: Ca. 1880
Location: OBJ 261

Title: Benjamin R. Morgan
Description: Benjamin Morgan was a prominent Philadelphia lawyer. Admitted to the bar in 1785, he became one of the judges of the District Court in 1821, and, previous to this, one of the founders of the Penna. Academy of the Fine Arts in 1805. Morgan was Secretary of the Library Company from 1792-1825 and one of its directors, 1825-1840., LCP Minutes vol. 9, April 4, 1889, p. 158: “A vote of thanks was directed to be sent to Mrs. Robert W. Leaming for her gift of a portrait of Benjamin R. Morgan.”, Gift of Mrs. Robert W. Leaming, 1889.
Creator: Eichholtz, Jacob, 1776-1842
Date: 1823
Location: OBJ 263

Title: Library Building on 5th Street
Description: Signed on the bottom left corner, “GB Wood, 1880.”, The painting depicts the interior of the Library Company's building on 5th Street. Lloyd P. Smith, the Librarian, is standing behind the charge desk. There is a woman and her dog standing in front of the desk with her back to the viewer. It is possible the woman is supposed to be Anne Hampton Brewster who owned a dog and was a close friend of Lloyd P. Smith., Represented in the painting (behind the Librarian's Desk) are the following objects: Bust of Clytie (OBJ #536), Bust of Apollo (OBJ #538), Painting of Stenton by Lewis (OBJ #142), and Portrait of James Logan by Sully (OBJ#255), Gift of Dr. William Pepper, 1893.
Creator: Wood, George Bacon, 1832-1910
Date: 1880
Location: OBJ 235

Title: Souvenir of Philadelphia Plate
Description: Blue transferware plate titled “Souvenir of Philadelphia.” The center shows City Hall and along the border are illustrated New United States Mint; Library Ridgeway (sic) Branch; River Drive Fairmount Park; Post Office; Girard College; University of Pennsylvania. The back is stamped: R&M Co., The Rowland & Marsellus Co., Staffordshire, England. R&M Co. operated between c. 1893-1938., Gift of George E. Thomas, 2019.
Creator: Rowland & Marsellus Co.
Date: 1893
Location: OBJ 912

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