HP research- the Bodleian Library

[thrihyrne]

I'm setting a scene in a 'restricted' part of the Bodleian Library, where older texts and books would be kept. Seeing as how I've never actually entered that building, but I know that some of you have, if you've been there, would you mind helping me out? Any help on the ambiance of the building, whether the staircases are enclosed or open, things like that, would be a great help, rather than me making it up in my head and then having someone read it who lives or has visited Oxford point out my idea was all wrong. Much obliged for any assistance. :)

Guess I'll have to set something up in Stornoway after I go. Yippee! Another locale I'll know about. Maybe I should have my intrepid heroes go to Brisbane or something.

In non-fandom news, I think I'm going to a new clothes store opening. Not usually my thing, and their clothes are a bit expensive from the catalogue I received, but they also look gorgeous and I have a 10% off coupon. We'll see how strong I am in resisting buying anything.

Comments

[helveticat.livejournal.com]

OMG, I actually know quite a bit about the Bod. I've never been to England, of course, but maybe I can help you anyway... *goes off to find one of her geeky old notebooks*

BUT you must know--parts of the Bodleian were actually used in the HP movies. I'm assuming you probably know this. It's practically Hogwart's double. I know the Divinity School was definitely used, but *scratches head* I've only seen the movie once, so I'm not sure where it shows it in the movie. I THINK it might've been the hospital, but I'd have to see to be sure. I know Hogwart's library, and the staircases, and things like that were all filmed there. So the films might be your best reference.

The Bod's spread all over the place, though. There's the main entrance building, which looks all mocha-colored-Gothic, but there are little parts of the library all over Oxford, and they used to have an underground rail system to transport the books. *puts finger on cool but useless trivia*

Hmmm... I don't have any pictures handy. I wish I did. Just know that there are a bunch of buildings, that they used parts of different buildings to film Hogwart's interior, and that SCOLA NATURALIS PHILOSPHIAE appears over a door in the Duke Humphrey's library (I don't why I mention that, only that I have it underlined in my notebook, with the note: "it's customary to enter the library through the door capped with this engraving--if you want to tour the place properly").

Very Gothic. Lots of wood. Not an especially cold, severe place at all.

:-)

Hope that helps you some, hon.

You're the best!

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much- that is indeed a great help. An underground railroad for books, eh? That strikes me as very intriguing.

Happy Birthday, BTW!! I hope my little card got to you on time.

♥
-K