As a native Chicagoan, I had always heard about the great Chicago architectural firms from the late 1800's through the early 20th century. The firm of
was the one that made the biggest impression on me.
I recently went to the
Chicago Cultural Center for their new "
Louis Sullivan's Idea" exhibit. It features fragments of the magnificent ornamentation salvaged from buildings designed by Sullivan. The exhibit walks the visitor through the life of this famous architect, from his arrival in Chicago in 1873, to his death in 1924.
Louis H. Sullivan in 1899
Louis H. Sullivan came to Chicago from Boston. He partnered with Dankmar Adler in 1879. That partnership lasted until 1895. Both the Adler & Sullivan team, then Sullivan alone, created some of the most influential buildings in American history.
Wainwright Building, St. Louis, MO, 1890-91
I walked in awe among the fragments of terra cotta and ironwork, toughing each as I came upon them.
Pilgrim Baptist Church, Chicago, 1891. Destroyed by fire in 2006.
The exhibit is enhanced by enlarged photographs, some reaching 24 feet tall. The fragments were put into their proper context by finding their placement in the photos.
Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, 1889
Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, 1889
part of a door in the Auditorium Hotel
Walking the streets of downtown Chicago, it's hard to look up or to get a close look of what remains of Louis Sullivan's work, or most any of the late 19th and early 20th century buildings. There are so many more modern, much taller structures looming over everything.
This exhibit brings all the details down to eye-level, like you'd never see it on the actual buildings. The fact that the curators allow you to touch the pieces makes the experience even more special.
Schiller Building wall stencil, Chicago 1890-92.
Louis Sullivan was a believer in bringing natural, organic forms to the tall, otherwise impersonal skyscrapers that he and his contemporaries were designing. I thought the pieces were beautiful. I wish I could have seen these buildings in all their original splendor. Sadly, most have been torn down or modernized beyond recognition.
Transportation Building, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893
Sullivan's
Transportation Building at the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 was the only building not conforming to the all-white Beaux-Arts style in
Daniel Burnham's plan for the White City.
Chicago Stock Exchange, Chicago, 1894
Chicago Stock Exchange, entrance salvaged & on display at the Art Institute of Chicago
detail of Chicago Stock Exchange entrance.
While attending college years ago at the Art Institute of Chicago, I would gaze upon the salvaged Chicago Stock Exchange entrance arch, on display outside the school. When I graduated, the reception was held in the reconstructed
Chicago Stock Exchange trading floor.
Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room, reconstructed at the Art Institute of Chicago.
sculptors working on Sullivan's details
A few of Sullivan's Chicago buildings remain. The old
Carson Pirie Scott store (originally the Schlesinger & Mayer store) is being restored. The
Auditorium Theatre is restored and is operated by Roosevelt University.
original Schlesinger & Mayer facade, 1899
original Schlesinger & Mayer facade, 1899
Whenever I used to meet up with somebody downtown, we would meet at the Carson Pirie Scott corner doorway, under that magnificent ironwork!
old Carson Pirie Scott store as it looks today
detail of old Carson Pirie Scott storefront today
original Schlesinger & Mayer facade piece
original Schlesinger & Mayer baluster piece
After 1900, the fanciful style that made Sullivan famous was falling out of favor. His high profile commissions went away. He continued to work, however, on smaller buildings in the midwest. Some of his unique banks remain to this day.
detail from National Farmers' Bank, Owatanna, MN, 1908
clock from National Farmers' Bank, Owatanna, MN, 1908
16 Comments:
OH my heart has almost started beating again....!
Next to Victorian Wicker ....I love Victorian Archecture....if ANYTHING is going to encourage me to go to Chicago soon..it would be this exhibit.
WOW...how amazing they could share this much of his work at one time.
How sad about the way he chose to die...such a talent going to total WASTE because of his alcholism.
Thank you for this marvelous share.
Rose
Hi Rose,
I knew you would like this one, being from Chicago yourself! After I visited the exhibit, I went right over to the Stock Exchange archway and the Carson Pirie Scott store to take some pictures, with a new eye for the work of this great architect.
-Pam
Hello Pam,
Magnificent post! Several years ago, we briefly visited Chicago's downtown and also took the boat tour. We were only passing through, but how we wished we could have stayed longer. We left with the impression that Chicago was so sophisticated and glamourous.
Most probably because of Sullivan's talent and the effort to conserve its architectural history. To see his work shows how strong and complex an artist he was, but also how fragile. It must of killed him to see that the world was changing and his work was going out of fashion. To me, beauty is timeless as your post shows so well. Really enjoyed it, thank you.
Anyes,
XX
Oh my gosh it's all stunning! I have missed all of your wonderful Victorian posts-this one was a great one to come back to:).
Blessings,
Kim
Simply wonderful post! I enjoyed learning about Sullivan. Wow, I was unaware of his elegant work. Thanks for bringing this to us and providing a beautiful photo review.
Sincerely,
Mrs. D
Hi Anyes-
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Chicago has been a great architectural city ever since the Great Fire of 1871 burnt it to the ground. Great architects came here to leave their mark on the newly destroyed city, and the buildings keep coming to this day. :-)
-Pam
Hi Kim-
It's great to hear from you! Welcome back to blogland. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the Louis Sullivan works. :-)
-Pam
Hi Linda-
I enjoyed learning so much about Sullivan myself! As you can tell, I really enjoyed this exhibit. I like learning new things about my city. :-)
-Pam
OMG, the architectural detail is incredible! I'm adding this to my bucket list of places to visit. Thanks for another incredible post!
Hi Sweetbrier-
Chicago is a great city to visit. There are architectural walking tours, bus tours and boat tours. And we have some great museums!
-Pam
Well all I can say is wow, wow, wow!
I was in Chicago a few years ago and loved the beauty of the city however I never really had a chance to visit the beautiful buildings etc as it was a very short buisness trip. I have always said I'd love to go back for a longer stay and this is on my list of "to do" while there!
Wanted to leave ypu a link to see the Eastlake DYI project completed. You were amazing and so helpful with info in regards to the Eastlake bed and thought you might enjoy this.
Terry
http://sweetpea-labellavie.blogspot.com/2010/07/drum-roll-please.html
Terry-
Your Eastlake bed project is ingenious! Your repurposed bed now looks like a throne! I'm sure your in-laws absolutely loved it. What a talented team you and your husband make! :-)
-Pam
This is fabulous, I wish I could see Chicago. I never knew it had such wonderful buildings. OH Please save those buildings .. Houston tore down all it's history, Thanks to REDNECKS running the city. Idiot's in positions we vote in.
Yvonne-
There aren't many Louis Sullivan buildings left in Chicago, and a lot of other great old buildings have been replaced by modern skyscrapers. Yeah, we certainly have our share of corrupt politicians, too!
-Pam
Fabulous post. Architecture like this I miss the most about not living in the midwest. When I lived in Thomson, IL, I used to love visiting the old Van Allen Department store building for its same look as the ones you showcased. It was a grand old lady. They have now converted it into apartments...I would live in one if I returned there. Sea Witch
Hi Sea Witch-
Do you know if they did a good job on renovating the interior for apartments? I hope they somehow left the great interior details intact. I looked it up on Wikipedia, and it had some huge, beautiful pillars inside! Another great piece by Louis Sullivan that still stands!
-Pam
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home