Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop

Artist/Designer: Craig Rodwell, Lambda Rising

Project Location: New York, New York

Black and white image of three people sitting on floor reading a book. They are in a room full of bookshelves.

Figure 1: Bookshop staff, 1977. ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: Diana Davies )

Black and white image of small bathroom with sink and mirror. Two hearts are drawn in the wall in thick marker inside one says,

Figure 2: Graffiti on the restroom wall, 1969. ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: Diana Davies )

Black and white image of smiling man with moustache who is autographing books. A stack of books is in front of him with the title,

Figure 3: Author Jonathan Katz at a book signing at the second location, 15 Christopher Street, 1976. ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: Diana Davies )

Black and white image of four people. Two seated and two standing. Bookshelves are on the left side of the image.

Figure 4: Founder Craig Rodwell, 1969, at the original location at 291 Mercer St. ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: Diana Davies )

Room with bookshelves. Rainbow flags are attached to the bookshelves and also the ceiling.

Figure 5: Interior of Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop on Christopher Street ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: Courtesy: the NYPL )

Style/Period(s):
Vernacular

Primary Material(s):
Paper

Function(s):
Retail Store

Related Website(s):

NYTimes, "Venerable Gay Bookstore Will Close" | Accessed : February 27, 2022

NYPL Archives & Manuscripts, "Craig Rodwell Papers" 1940-1993 | Accessed : February 27, 2022

Blog Post: Closing of the Oscar Wilde Bookshop | Accessed : April 25, 2022

Significant Date(s):
20th Century, 1967, 21st Century, 2009

Additional Information:
The first of its kind on the East Coast, Craig Rodwell opened the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop in 1967 in Greenwich Village. It became a mecca for the queer community of New York and beyond.

Publications/Texts in Print:

Building Address: 1967: 291 Mercer Street, NY, NY, 1973 moved to Corner of 15 Christopher Street at the corner of Gay Street, NYC, NY

Significant Dates: Opened 1967, Relocated 1973; Closed 2009

Supporting Staff/ Designers: Owner Craig Rodwell.

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