Comments

• Jefferson Madison on February 04, 2011

  Former Rotunda guide here. First, this was an excellent presentation which clearly illustrates the damage to the outside of the building. However, it is also the building’s interior which is a concern and in my opinion counsels against the popular idea supported by the short film of finding a way to bring more (presumably student) traffic into the building. In fact the building already receives far too much traffic for its own long-term health. And more importantly some of the uses of the building are harmful.  I would support more lectures, musical events and public presentations but less wining and dining. A major issue with the Rotunda in the past has been that since the departure of Eve Turnbull the administration of the building has been structurally weak vis-a-vis other departments of the University who want to use the building for special occasions. While making the Rotunda a fiefdom for arbitrary power by an overprotective administrator would not be a good alternative, a better balance is needed to help ensure that the building’s historic spaces are not abused. In particular the dinners held in the dome room seriously damage the beautiful pine floor. I have seen that floor when it shines anew and it is an amazing site. But most of the time the floor instead appears dingy from wear and tear. Admittedly, I haven’t been there for a few years so maybe this is already improved. But if the building’s administrator lacks the authority (or knowledge) to limit overuse and even abuse of its historic spaces, Jefferson’s library will not be as attractive a site for visiting. It will not create as strong an impression, for example, upon prospective students who attend briefings there with their parents; something which I suspect exerts subtle influence in favor of choosing the University.  In addition, the post-76 renovation chairs were a poor choice: they’re uncomfortable but more importantly they are heavy and the feet were not padded. So before and after dinners the chairs are often moved in a clumsy way that scuffs the floors. This is a little thing but it adds up over time. So some food for thought – but keep it out of the Dome room please. Cheers!

• George Pratt on July 21, 2011

  I was befriended by Eve Turnbull in 1972 when I began working on my doctorate in Counseling Education at UVa.  I visited her home many times before she had to move into the city from her other home.  I heard she had died.  Can you tell me when and where her children are?  They were all so kind to me as a non-native Virgiia born.  I came to Ch’ville from Alabama and fell in love with the state.  Live in Norfolk.  GPratt

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