Society of Antiquaries, London

The two galleries high above the main room can make finding books an adventure.

Today has been a work day using the library at the Society of Antiquaries. Founded in 1707, the society studies the remains of Britain's, and sometimes the wider world's, past. Its quarters off of Piccadilly and inside Burlington House, also home of the Royal Academy of Arts, are frequented by (mostly) men interested in archaeology, architectural history, genealogy, numismatic, and other arcane pursuits. The scholars may look as dusty as the books, but the atmosphere is warm, and the collection is outstanding. Many of the books date to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The stately setting and the vast expanses of shelves make the library a great place to read and explore. I took these pictures a couple years ago, but I assure you the place has not changed.

The main room of the library.

The spiral staircase in the corner leads from the first gallery up to the second.

The Society's rooms overlook the courtyard of Burlington House. In 2006 Damien Hirst's 35-foot bronze Virgin Mother welcomed visitors to the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition.