URMC / Libraries / Basil G. Bibby Library / History / Eastman Dental: The Bird Cages

Birdcages & Nursery Rhymes

The Children's Waiting Area in the Eastman Dental Clinics

During the 1920s and 1930s, in addition to the Rochester Dental Dispensary, George Eastman established five dental clinics throughout Europe. The clinics were designed with children in mind, in hopes that anxiety over dental care would be reduced. This concern for young patients was reflected in the architecture of these buildings. Each clinic had its own birdcage in the waiting area and artists were employed to paint murals on the walls illustrating nursery rhymes and childhood themes.

Brussels Waiting Room
Waiting room wall of the Brussels dental clinic

Children Gathered around Birdcage in Brussels Waiting Room

Birdcage in London Waiting Room
Birdcage in the London Waiting Room
Walls in London Waiting Room.
Walls in the London Waiting Room

Birdcage in Paris Waiting Room.
Birdcage in the Paris Waiting Room
Walls in Rochester Waiting Room.

Birdcage in Rochester Waiting Room.

Birdcage in Rome Waiting Room. Floor tiles also silhouettes of animals.

Walls in Rome Waiting Room.
Walls in the Rome Waiting Room
Birdcage in Stockholm Waiting Room

Walls in Stockholm Waiting Room.