.From the Book Cover
The years between the beginning of the twentieth century and the start of the First World War form a period of astounding American architectural creativity and growth. Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School of architecture in the Midwest, Gustav Stickley and the Mission style in the East, the Greene Brothers and the American Arts and Crafts movement in the West were, on one hand, responding to a growing America in search of affordable and comfortable housing and, on the other hand, guiding domestic architecture away from outmoded building concepts and toward and modern and truly American deisgn. Greater emphasis was placed on light, air and space; rooms were reorganized to allow easier flow from one area to another; nonfunctional ornamentation was minimized — sometimes eliminated completely.
To aid architects, carpenters and builders the Radford Architectural Company of Chicago issued a portfolio of building details in scaled and measured drawings that conformed to the new Rectilinear style of domestic design. Radford's sourcebook included every conceivable architectural feature: framing, beamed ceilings, wainscoting, window seats, sideboards, fireplaces, inglenooks, stair railings, furniture and a full range of other details. This unabridged and unaltered reprint of the rare 1911 publication of Radford's Portfolio of Details of Building Construction offers today's builders and restorers many vintage, authentic measured and scaled drawings — a total of 183 black-and-white plates — that would otherwise be unavailable.
A new introduction by John J. Mojonnier, Jr. (Chairman, Oak Park Landmarks Commission, Oak Park, Illinois) traces the rise and development of the Radford Architectural Company and places its designs within the context of the time and its needs. Architects, students, preservationists, historians, carpenters, contractors, restorers, owners of old houses and lovers of fine buildings will welcome the return of this excellent, influential and highly practical primary source from one of America's most creative and enduring architectural periods.
Cover design by Paul E. Kennedy.
(The above commentary is provided by Dover Publications, Inc.)
See Other Related Books
- Radford Architectural Company books
- More books about architecture and design of the early 1900's
- Pattern books containing the above book's architectural styles:
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Copyright © 2004–2012 Patricia B. Mitchell.