Exploring the Book as Artistic Subject in Panopticon Gallery's Bibliophile

By Jessica A. Kent
Oct. 20, 2018

Tucked into the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square, between the main lobby and Eastern Standard, is the Panopticon Gallery, one of the oldest fine art photography galleries in the country. It was founded in 1971 by Tony Decaneas in a basement gallery in Back Bay, and moved to Newbury Street and Waltham before its space - a two-corridor hallway with recessed walls - was created specifically for it as the Hotel Commonwealth was being built in 2004. It therefore has the unique distinction of being a fine art photography gallery in the middle of a busy hotel in one of the busiest intersections of the city. As such, it’s open 24 hours a day - a luxury other galleries do not have - and its artwork is seen by a crowd with heavy turnover who may not have stepped foot in a traditional gallery before, but suddenly find themselves in the midst of photographic artwork, say, on their way to dinner. Prices are also displayed, letting viewers know that a piece of artwork is affordable, and a good place to start a collection.

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