Boston College, St. Mary's Chapel |
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ARCHITECT SPOTLIGHT: Maginnis & Walsh |
University Chapels to America’s Cathedral |
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The Boston based architectural firm, Maginnis & Walsh, 1906-1940 (also Maginnis, Walsh & Sullivan, 1898-1906 and Maginnis, Walsh & Kennedy 1941-1956), was famously known for their refined ecclesiastical and collegiate design. Active during the first half of the twentieth century, the firm completed an impressive body of work with numerous projects in the New England area as well as across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Using the classical proportions, Maginnis and Walsh offered their clients refreshing and innovative architectural creations.
Maginnis was an Irish-American immigrant who arrived in Boston at eighteen and apprenticed under Edmund Wheelwright. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Walsh worked as a draftsman for Peabody and Stearns before traveling in Europe to further his architectural studies. In 1898 Charles D. Maginnis, Timothy F. Walsh, and Matthew Sullivan joined in partnership. Though Sullivan would withdraw to work independently in 1906, the partnership between Maginnis and Walsh lasted the remainder of their careers and together they became one of the leading architectural firms in the United States.
Both men were involved in the Boston architectural community as participating members in many clubs and organizations. Maginnis notably served as president for the Boston Society of Architects (1924-1926) and the American Institute of Architects (1937-1939). Later he received the AIA Gold Medal for outstanding service in the field of architecture. Walsh was chairman and president of the Boston Board of Appeal as well as held membership with the Boston Society of Architects, Boston Architectural Club, and the American Institute of Architects.
The work of Maginnis & Walsh spans a spectrum of architectural styles and often successfully incorporated modern ideas into their work. Evidence of their prominence is confirmed in having been selected in 1919 to construct the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. The building was designed in the Byzantine-Romanesque Revival style. However, the work was halted during the Great Depression and was not resumed until after the Second World War. Neither partner would see the completion of the church as it was finally dedicated in 2017.
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Boston College, Gasson Hall |
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Competent in gothic design, the firm notably executed numerous university projects in the popularized gothic revival style. The commission to design a new campus for Boston College sheds light on their capability successfully combining gothic design within the order of a fundamentally Beaux-Arts grounds plan. Formed in the shape of a cross in the center of the campus at the crossing sits a gothic tower, Gasson Hall. Gasson Hall is the first of many of its kind to be constructed on university campuses during the collegiate gothic construction boom.
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Boston College, St. Mary's Chapel |
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The firm became critically acclaimed for their university architecture winning commissions on college, seminary, and preparatory school campuses. The firm explored different architectural styles in order to properly represent the faith, traditions, and education specifically expressed by each campus. At Boston College, the famous collegiate gothic style is shared by all the buildings in their campus design. Therefore, St. Mary Chapel, 1917, is a beautiful interior featuring natural materials in the stone construction, wood ceiling, and plaster walls as well as refined details in the painted decoration and artwork which are unique to the America Gothic style drawing from elements of art deco as well as traditional design. In contrast, the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes for Georgetown Prep was built of brick in the Renaissance Revival style. In this way, the chapel is set apart from the other buildings, distinct in its higher order of design and decoration, but still of the same material and proportion so as to offer a harmonious relationship on the campus. St. Joseph Memorial Chapel at the College of the Holy Cross has a similar effect on the campus.
From the country style Medieval of St. Aidan Church (Brookline, Mass) to the Renaissance Revival of the Immaculate Conception (Waterbury, Conn), Maginnis & Walsh proved themselves a firm capable of approaching projects large and small of various architectural styles. Commissions for modifications to important existing buildings such as Trinity Church in Copley Square (modifications to the chancel) and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City (exterior doors) continues to suggest a satisfaction, respect, and trust in Maginnis & Walsh. A large body of their drawings and writings may be found in the Boston Public Library archives. The firm carried on work for a short time after the death of the founding partners. Eugene F. Kennedy, who became a senior partner in 1941, continued to carry out work into the later half of the 20th century incorporating the mid-century and modern trends as inclinations began to shift. The work and design studies of Maginnis & Walsh remain an inspiration and education as their techniques were both innovative and traditional.
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Latest Articles & Announcements |
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| Common Materials Used for Historic Decorative Paint Restoration |
Decorative painting can be traced back to 4,000 years ago when cultures used different patterns & designs. Decorative finishes can be found in all types of structures including churches, homes, courthouses, libraries, theatres & museums. Restoring these decorative details can bring the building back to its original state and create the same feeling for those who were using it years ago, connecting both the past and present together. Over the years many different techniques have been adopted to help conserve and replicate these designs. By understanding techniques, materials, and maintenance considerations, artisans can truly bring a space back to life.
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St. Mary Church New Haven and the Bold Ambition of Beauty |
Founded in 1832 as the first Catholic Church in New Haven and the second oldest Catholic parish in Connecticut, St. Mary Church is today renowned as the founding church of the Knights of Columbus and the final resting place of their founder, Father Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890). From its beginnings as a small parish celebrating Mass in a wooden church to its construction of a modern Gothic Revival church in the most aristocratic and classical neighborhood in New Haven, St. Mary Church was bold in its ambition. From its dedication in 1874 to today, it has always valued ornament and beauty as conveyors of theology and devotion.
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We had a wonderful time celebrating our 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! We are proud to be acknowledged alongside other outstanding practitioners who inspire and elevate the appreciation of classical design.
The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a nonprofit organization that works through advocacy, education, and publication to further the classical tradition in urbanism, architecture, and the allied arts. The New England chapter’s Bulfinch Awards are bestowed upon architects, designers, and industry professionals of superior merit for notable projects each year.
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We want to thank everyone who stopped by our booth at the Association for Preservation Technology National Trust Conference in Montreal,Quebec, Canada. As always, it was great getting to connect with both new and returning members at this event. It is an honor to be a part of this organization that helps promote both traditional and innovative technologies to preserve and enhance the built environment, while fostering knowledge exchange within the global community.
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In case you missed out on attending the 2024 Traditional Building Conference in Savannah,Georgia last month, this article "What I Learned at the Traditional Building Conference in Savannah, Georgia", might be of interest to you. A lot of great things were covered during the conference to help traditional building professionals learn about classical design, historic preservation, adaptive use, materials, methods and urban planning. Knowing the importance of sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field, David Riccio, one of the principals at John Canning & Co., presented a AIA Continuing Education session on Historic Plaster Conservation, Restoration & Preservation.
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We are delighted to share that one of the projects we collaborated on has won an award and will be honored at the 2024 AIA Connecticut Design Awards! The State Capitol Laylight & Skylight Restoration project lead by Crosskey Architects LLC, will be honored at the Gala on December 12th, at Cascade in Hamden, CT. For this CT Capitol project Canning's part included the restoration of finishes that included decorative painting and gold leafing for the interior East and West Atria. This project also recently received an Excellence in Construction (EIC) Award from ABC, Associated Builders and Contractors- Connecticut. We are happy to support this great event as a sponsor to celebrate the brilliance and creativity of Connecticut's architectural community.
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Interested in Seeing More of Our Work? Follow Us on TikTok! |
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This video highlights some of the process and attention to detail involved in producing artwork. This project involves creating the work on canvas in our studio, allowing us to install the artwork onsite and streamline the overall process. |
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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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Historic colleges and universities that have undergone preservation and restoration projects are given a strengthened legacy while bringing new life and continued pride to the educational institution and surrounding community. This Higher Education Restoration Guide provides some examples of restoration and conservation work in Historic College & Universities.
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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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