Hidden Treasures: Ornate ceiling uncovered in Hamel Library
The Hamel Browsing Library’s uncovered ceiling.
Photo courtesy of Wendy Von Below
By Brooke Appe
Although the Memorial Union Reinvestment (MUR) is a project designed for the betterment of the Wisconsin Union’s future, it has also been instrumental in examining the Union’s rich past through artifacts and uncovered architectural secrets. One of these architectural discoveries is the Hamel Browsing Library ceiling, where upon preparation for renovation, a beautiful ornamental ceiling was discovered.
Based on earlier photos of the room, Union staff knew the original ceiling was ornate, and assumed the visible ceiling had been installed over it. The original was thought lost, yet during the demolition phase this summer, contractors removed the coved ceiling and found that the original ceiling was not lost, but rather left badly damaged in place.
Now that the historical ceiling has been uncovered, the Union wants to share what had remained an architectural secret for many years. To do that, restoration experts must improve the quality of the worn and damaged ceiling while maintaining the original design.
Other parts of the library will be preserved as well, according to Wendy Von Below, Memorial Union Reinvestment project manager, including the wood floor and wall paneling. Even some of the historic tables that had been scattered around the Memorial Union will be reused. “The Union is committed to restoring as much of the historical components on the project as possible,” said Wendy.
Original library
Photo courtesy of Wendy Von Below
Aside from the physical changes that have occurred in the Hamel Browsing Library throughout the Union’s history, the uses for the room have changed as well. In the past, it was used as the Union’s Travel Center, Multicultural Center, and then the Browsing Library. The name was changed in 2009, when the Hamel family, who continue to have a close relationship with UW-Madison since George Hamel Sr. graduated in 1966, donated a generous gift to the Wisconsin Union.
Along with many other Union spaces, the Hamel Browsing Library has proven to be a place of transition and transformation – a true testament to the Union’s constant evolution.
