Criticism
The Beauty of the Mall by Malik Wilson
October 2026
The grand plan of the Mall, a set-aside space for memory, memorial, reminder, return, meets it's high point, its pensive and ongoing Main Street, at the Museum-bridge mall expanse. Helmed and hedged at either side by the Capitol building and the Washington Monument, it is one of the most compelling, situating vistas on earth. In The Call of Mall Architecture (Volume 1), Malik Wilson explains how the grand principles of Greek and Roman architecture, especially in the original National Gallery of Art building, bleed into a kind of quiet, civil, harmonious ideal - a dignified privacy of the inner world, that an outward civility, and unity with others, and one's community, might be reached.
Criticism
Gaston Bachelard and Jim Rutherford: The Beauty of Things by Malik Wilson
November 2026
No philosopher has had as much impact on Takoma as Gaston Bachelard, the white-bearded, passionate French genius. Boyish and bumptious, he combines a sensuous, urbane wonder with a rural, earth-bound pragmatism. For Malik Wilson and others, Bachelard is French accomplishment at its finest - insatiably curious, unrestrained by Anglo-Saxon nominalism, but able to let mysteries bubble in increasingly beautiful and seductive ways.
Nowhere does his genius better show than in his considerations of things. Objets which not only take on meaning, but suggest truths and shape the handler, holder, dweller of said items. In Gaston Bachelard and Jim Rutherford: The Beauty of Things, Malik Wilson testifies to such truths through a kind of impression-catalogue of the lovingly and humbly restored workshop items of Jim Rutherford. In these small items of previous purpose, now rendered into decorative beauty, Malik Wilson tells a tale of purposes lost and found, intentions beyond intentions, and the consolation of ruins. In a young culture, and in a young country like America, Jim Rutherford's astute eye, hands, and heart are a tether to older ways, more established practices.
History
The Poor Man's Library - Takoma Park (2008-2016) by Malik Wilson
December 2026
The vibe and feel of Takoma House grew to form over several years. Our founder, Malik Wilson worked an overnight shift at Kramerbooks for nearly 7 years, developing a thirst and appreciation for books along the way. In his small room in Takoma Park, he needed simplicity, and the use of all available space. Using milkcrates from the attached restaurant, the style was formed.
Simple plug-in scatter lights shine light above the crates, with switches tucked into the bookcases, helping to illuminate the room. Speakers are placed on top of the crates, with small artworks held against the walls. This sense of being encompassed, of a life in books – or rather, of a life of consideration, of a measured life, is a key principle we want to share with you.
History
The Library Looks North - Sligo Park Hills (2016-present) by Malik Wilson
December 2026
The little library off Holly Avenue expanded to Sligo Park Hills in 2016. From roughly 1500 books to more than 7000 at present, the library grew to fill the five rooms at Takoma House, including a 1200 book war room and a 2400 art book room. Host to all Takoma's events, Takoma House is the physical embodiment of our values - the inward life, a sensuous, filled, muted and vibrant sociality, food and wine, fellowship, newness, and the beauty of older, enduring things.