Lovecraftian Providence
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Lovecraftian Providence
Miguel Fliguer
Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was an American writer of science-fiction and cosmic horror, best known for creating the popular Cthulhu Mythos. As we stroll through the streets of his beloved Providence, we'll explore the places that shaped his visions and dreams. It features photos and information from my two HPL-inspired trips to Providence -and a few items from different sources, with attribution where possible.
Most of the suggested spots are within walking distance of each other and can be covered on foot in one day. A few ones (eg. the Observatory and the Swan Point cemetery) require transportation.
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HP Lovecraft Plaque
@miguelfliguer
On the grounds of the John Hay Library on Prospect St. not far from the Van Wickle gates of Brown University, there stands this small, poignant plaque dedicated to Lovecraft, dedicated in 1990. It features an excerpt from "Background", a sonnet from his "Fungi From Yuggoth" cycle, and a true love letter to the city of Providence. A beautiful photo spot.
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Van Wickle Gates
@miguelfliguer
Built in 1901. The brick columns feature the seals of the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence. In Brown's tradition, they open only twice a year, once to let new students in, and another to let graduates out. One of Lovecraft's best-known photos shows him seated on the brick bench by the gates, now a fan-favorite photo spot.
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John Hay Library
@miguelfliguer
Named after Abraham Lincoln's secretary, a Brown graduate and benefactor. It houses the largest collection of Lovecraft's manuscripts, including the famous drawing of Cthulhu gifted to his friend Robert H. Barlow; rough street maps of Arkham and Innsmouth; and a remarkable jumble of notes and creature sketches for "At The Mountains Of Madness", written all over a mail envelope.
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The Providence Athenaeum
@miguelfliguer
Beautiful, cozy library frequented by Lovecraft throughout his life. His magnificent bronze bust -made by Bryan Moore- now graces the main gallery (a great photo spot).
Explore the halls where Edgar Allan Poe unsuccessfully courted Sarah Whitman, and ask a librarian to see Poe's signed copy of 'American Review', where one of his poems had been published anonymously. Also, browse inside the beautiful index cabinets for your favorite author cards.
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Fleur-de-lys Studio
@miguelfliguer
The setting for artist Henry Wilcox's residence in Lovecraft's "The Call Of Cthulhu" (1926). Don't miss the eldritch yellow stuccoed bas-reliefs on the front. The building belongs to the Providence Art Club -two doors away- and it's open to visitors. Great photo spot.
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Providence Art Club
@miguelfliguer
Building from the late 1780s, a few steps from the Fleur-de-Lys House. One of Lovecraft's aunts had her paintings exhibited, and he attended art shows here throughout his life.
In 2019 a life-size bronze of Lovecraft was unveiled here, but was later removed, and as of today (2023) it's still waiting for a permanent, private home. Across the street, there's the statue of Edward Bannister, one of the club founders. Both magnificent sculptures were created by Providence artist Gage Prentiss.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Miguel Fliguer
Born in the sixties in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Had the chance to travel -for work and leisure- to most of Latin America, plus several places in the USA, Canada, and Europe. I love photography, cooking, and writing. Have a couple of self-published books and a few short stories featured in various anthologies. I'll be crafting guides for my favorite places in the world, so stay tuned.
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
27 places
27 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Providence, RI, USA
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Architecture
History
People & Culture
Photography
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Map
Maps are simple lists of places often grouped by themes, categories or geos.
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