A new year and new commitment to sharing what’s behind and on the doors of public washrooms.
Let’s take a look at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg, KS. We have tried several times to visit this lovely gallery but somehow our attempts were always ill-timed. Swedish-born Birger Sandzén was an accomplished art instructor and painter in his own right. The gallery found on the campus of Bethany College in Lindsborg houses a selection of Sandzén’s landscapes and prints, as well as contemporary works from regional artists. Rich in color and texture, his work has been compared to that of van Gogh and Cezanne.
The women’s restroom featured vintage details that seemed suited to Sandzén‘s time and culture.
The outer room features floral print wallpaper and coordinating fabric skirt on the vanity, crocheted scarf, and table lamps. To top it off they include a large sofa along one wall. How cozy is that? A sign politely asks visitors to keep their feet off the cushions, the only exception to what you might expect at an elegant home in this town renowned for its immigrant Swedish culture.
Inside the practical section, the area is large, bright, and airy. One corner features a large sculpture of tumbling athletes.
The two stalls feature framed reproductions of Sandzén‘s paintings. Although I am uncertain that either stall accommodates wheelchairs, they do feature something I have seen only in only one other public restroom. If you look carefully at the right side of the toilet (as you face it) there is a lever to push for easy flushing. A fine idea, especially if you don’t mind being seated when flushing.
Robert reported that the men’s room featured the same levers but none of the other fine details.
The gallery is quiet, and the staff is well-mannered as most Midwesterners are, so taking a peek at either set of restrooms is not likely to be an issue and well worth a visit. The art is an added bonus.
