Merit Award
Gutenberg Bible Case and First Photo Case
Location
Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin
Design Firm
Pentagram Design, Austin, TX
Design Team
Lowell Williams (Principal in Charge), Wendy Carnegie, Kim Toda
Fabrication
Austin Architectural Graphics
Client
Harry Ransom Center
Photographer
Thomas McConnell
The Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin houses thirty million literary manuscripts, one million rare books, five million photographs, and over 100,000 works of art. Highlights include the Gutenberg Bible (c. 1455) and the world's first photograph (c. 1826). Both the Bible case and the first photo case were displayed in the lobby of the Center and viewed in such a way that best represented their individual history, without obscuring the entrance. The displays allowed the viewer to walk around and fully experience the objects.
Jury Comment
"This exhibit case immediately communicates to the viewer that the object to be discovered within is of deep importance. The strength of the materials is reminiscent of an era when solid, masculine materials were dependable and impenetrable. There is an awe-inspiring mood established as this private, cylindrical space encases the visitor and promotes an intimate mood worthy of the magnificent object that is displayed."