The 1893 World’s Fair & the City Beautiful Movement |
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“Public buildings best serve the public by being beautiful.” – Cass Gilbert
The City Beautiful Movement was born and inspired in large part by the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. Following the American Civil War, cities across the country grew at a dramatic rate as a cause of the Industrial Revolution and high levels of immigration. City centers reflected this fast paced growth with overrun tenement buildings, unwelcoming municipal centers, and a lack of public parks and gardens. The “White City” of the Columbian Exposition in Chicago reminded America that a city must not only be a symbol of economic and industrial power but also an aesthetic and inspiring environment for the inhabitants.
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Daniel Burnham, Director of Works for the Fair and an infamous list of architectural colleagues designed an exposition that combined progress and ingenuity with balance and beauty. Commissioned architects included Charles Atwood, Richard Morris Hunt, McKim, Mead & White, Solon Spencer Beman, Adler & Sullivan, George B. Post, and many more as well as Frederick Law Olmsted in charge of grounds. The predominantly Beaux-Arts style of architecture and expansive gardens offered America a vision of a human approach to urban planning.
Louis Sullivain and Frank Lloyd Wright offered dissenting opinions to the Fair aesthetic and the movement in general. They desired to develop a uniquely American styled architecture rather than, as they saw it, borrow designs of the Old-World. However, the intent was not to recreate European architecture in America but to capture and celebrate in an American fashion a very long history of the Western tradition, which is at the root of American government, law, and general culture. In this way, Burnham and his compatriots saw America as the rightful heir to Western culture.
In the years after the World’s Fair, American cities from East to West devised city plans to beautify their urban areas. Burnham received commissions across the country and participated on numerous boards promoting the idea that the open air of parks; clean, beautiful streets; and recreational opportunities make for happy and healthy communities. Burnham was hired to develop a plan for San Francisco which was famously realized in the Civic Center including impressive buildings such as the War Memorial Opera House and City Hall. In 1945, the inaugural meeting of the United Nations took place at the Opera House, where representatives from 50 nations gathered to draft the charter. The Opera House is regarded as the birthplace of the UN. The fruits of the movement may also be studied in the McMillan Plan to revitalize L'Enfant's plans for Washington, D.C. which included a comprehensive redesign of Capitol Hill’s surrounding buildings, parks and monuments. The construction of railway stations, museums, libraries, courthouses, and capitol buildings swept the Nation.
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War Memorial Opera House, CA (left) & Boston Public Library, MA (right) |
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Elegant renaissance revival buildings rose from the ground to grace little town centers and grand metropolises. The fruits of the movement may be studied in just about any center of commerce or government. The movement was not limited to architecture. Quite the contrary, architects and planners of the era employed renowned artists and designers to collaborate on the interior decoration. Charles McKim’s Boston Public Library brought together some of the finest American muralists including Edward Austin Abbey, John Singer Sargent, Elmer Garnsey among others. Puvis de Chevannes, was the one exception, he executed the work on canvas in his Paris studio, while his assistants brought the murals to Boston and installed them in the Grand staircase and loggia of the library. Cass Gilbert completed what he considered his best work at the Minnesota State Capitol brought onsite artists Edwin Blashfield, Elmer Garnsey, Arthur Willett, Henry Oliver Walker, John La Farge, Howard Pyle, Francis Millet and numerous others. Interestingly, Gilbert died before the interior decoration and artwork at West Virginia State Capitol could be completed but the State always intended to complete the original intent of the architect. Finally decades later, John Canning & Company was commissioned to complete the several large lunette paintings to complete the rotunda design and honor Gilbert’s opinion, “that architecture, painting and sculpture were so closely akin that the highest form of art would be the combination of them all.”
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West Virginia State Capitol Exterior Dome (left) & Minnesota State Capitol Interior Dome (right) |
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Railway Stations were an important part of city planning since these interiors were understood to be the city’s first impression on newcomers. Burnham himself designed Union Station in Washington D.C. to welcome travelers to the Nation’s Capital. The famous Grand Central Terminal and Old Pennsylvania Station (demolished) in New York City were also designed in response to this beautification movement. And though New York City has lost the once magnificent Penn Station, City Beautiful Movement itself is hope for revival even when something is as ugly and desperate as the current Penn Station/Madison Square Garden complex and the ugliness it seems to encourage in its surroundings. Even now there are efforts to restore Penn Station in order to properly welcome travelers to the great city of New York.
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Grand Central Terminal, NY (left) & Washington Union Station, DC (right) |
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Just over one hundred years ago, cities across America looked out at an ugly freight station and envisioned a museum. They studied the crowded tenements to design sprawling parks. City Beautiful profoundly declares beauty as an essential element in human construction and everyday life. The Movement is an inspiring moment in American architectural history because the populace made a determined effort to beautify their surroundings for the greater good and health of the community. The simple directness of the movement, “City Beautiful” encapsulates the entire philosophy; since beauty inspires local pride as well as encourages stewardship and care of an area.
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Latest Articles & Announcements |
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Architectural Optimism: The Design of St. Mary’s Bethel, CT |
Join us as we explore the intersection of modern and classical design, unraveling the philosophy that drives Canning. This article delves into the essence of order and material, revealing how intentional design can transform spaces—like St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bethel, CT—from mundane to magnificent. Whether you’re a fan of Gothic grandeur or minimalist modernism, you’ll find inspiration in the harmonious blend of styles that uplifts communities and elevates the spirit. Uncover how thoughtful aesthetics can create sacred spaces that resonate with timeless beauty and invite generations to experience the divine. Don’t miss this insightful journey into architectural artistry.
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How to Take care of Historic Paintings During Renovation |
In the world of historic interiors, the beauty of fine art and murals is often at risk during restoration projects. This article dives into the essential practices of protecting and conserving these treasures, highlighting the importance of careful planning and adaptable strategies. Learn how modern conservation techniques prioritize stability over aesthetics, ensuring that artwork is preserved for future generations. From thorough analyses to protective measures, discover how art conservators and ornamental painters work together to safeguard history while navigating the challenges of each unique project. If you’re passionate about art preservation and the intricacies of restoration, this is a must-read!
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We are thrilled to highlight the incredible contributions of Scott Campbell, our esteemed Master Plasterer and Superintendent of the Plastering Division. With an impressive 30 years of experience, Scott is dedicated to breathing new life into damaged and neglected historic structures, restoring them to their original splendor. His expertise in ornamental plaster work, coupled with his collaborative spirit, makes Scott an invaluable member of our team. We invite you to dive deeper into his journey, insights, and passion for preservation by reading more about him here.
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It is that time of year again for the annual Association for Preservation Technology Conference. We’re excited to share that we are continuing the Canning tradition and we'll be exhibiting at the APT National Trust Conference in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, which runs from November 12th to 16th, once again were proud to be a sponsor for the conference. APT’s mission is to promote the use of both traditional and innovative technologies to preserve and enhance the built environment, while fostering knowledge exchange within the global community. We can’t wait to see you all there, make sure to stop by our booth to say hello!
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We are thrilled to announce that we have received a Bulfinch Award for Craftsmanship/Artisanship from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, New England Chapter (ICAA NE) for our First Church of Christ, Woodbridge, CT project! This is the 10th prestigious Bulfinch Award our work has been recognized for. This project consisted of various restoration services such as decorative painting and plaster consolidation. We are proud to be acknowledged alongside other outstanding practitioners who inspire and elevate the appreciation of classical design as well as sponsor this years event. We are also a sponsor for the upcoming award celebration on November 9th at the Harvard Club. We look forward to celebrating with everyone!
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We are thrilled to announce that we were apart of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston project, which received a Preservation Achievement Award from the Boston Preservation Alliance. This recognition celebrates the outstanding preservation efforts involved in this project and underscores our commitment to honoring Boston’s rich architectural heritage. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this achievement and we are pleased to be a sponsor for this years upcoming award ceremony on October 28th in Boston. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to preserve and enhance the unique character of Boston.
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Interested in Seeing More of Our Work? Follow Us on TikTok! |
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Watch as we unveil the original color scheme hidden beneath layers of aged shellac, varnish, and dirt, drastically transforming this space and the decorative wall panels. |
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We understand the importance in sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field. Besides the monthly newsletter and blogs we post, we also develop and share downloadable resources to help guide you in your conservation, preservation and restoration projects. Check out the Resources page and see if any of the resources can help answer some of your questions and provide a better understanding of some of the intricacies in the preservation field.
Check out our Featured Downloadable Resource below. |
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In this newsletter, we're excited to feature the rich history and artistry of plaster as we highlight our master plasterer. Discover the intricate techniques that make this timeless material essential for both modern and historic architecture in this resource. |
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The Association for Preservation Technology (APT) is the premier cross-disciplinary organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structure and their settings.
APTI 2024
November 12-16, Montreal, Quebec |
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As a national nonprofit preservation organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America's historic places and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more or get involved. | | | The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Partner with us to further that mission. |
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