Geology & Botany of the Sullivan Jewel Boxes, Part 13: Patterns in Fired Clay | Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, Columbus, Wisconsin, USA (1919)
Facing the bank's northwestern elevation.
For a description of the geologic origins of the American Terra Cotta ornament and the Crawfordsville Brick, see Part 7 of this set.
This major portion of the side of the building facing Dickason Boulevard shows still more artistry in fired clay: variably red Crawfordsville Brick, manufactured in Indiana, and highly ornamented American Terra Cotta window surrounds crafted in northeastern Illinois.
The Crawfordsville can also be classified as Roman Brick, because its units are longer and lower than the normal US size. Both architect Louis Sullivan and his famous former employee, Wisconsin-born Frank Lloyd Wright, often used Roman Brick in their designs.
Here it's set in relentless Running Bond, with the joint between two bricks centered on the middle of the bricks just above and below them.
The terra-cotta features still more of Sullivan's highly imaginative and botanically inspired patterns. These were masterfully realized in three dimensions from the original two-dimensional plans by master molder Kristian Schneider. Especially note the elaborate finial that caps the buttress at left.
One other Sullivan specialty, stained-glass windows, are also visible here. But we'll have to walk inside the bank to see them in their proper glory. And so we shall, soon.
The other photos and descriptions of this series can be found in my Geology & Botany of the Sullivan Jewel Boxes album.
Geology & Botany of the Sullivan Jewel Boxes, Part 13: Patterns in Fired Clay | Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, Columbus, Wisconsin, USA (1919)
Facing the bank's northwestern elevation.
For a description of the geologic origins of the American Terra Cotta ornament and the Crawfordsville Brick, see Part 7 of this set.
This major portion of the side of the building facing Dickason Boulevard shows still more artistry in fired clay: variably red Crawfordsville Brick, manufactured in Indiana, and highly ornamented American Terra Cotta window surrounds crafted in northeastern Illinois.
The Crawfordsville can also be classified as Roman Brick, because its units are longer and lower than the normal US size. Both architect Louis Sullivan and his famous former employee, Wisconsin-born Frank Lloyd Wright, often used Roman Brick in their designs.
Here it's set in relentless Running Bond, with the joint between two bricks centered on the middle of the bricks just above and below them.
The terra-cotta features still more of Sullivan's highly imaginative and botanically inspired patterns. These were masterfully realized in three dimensions from the original two-dimensional plans by master molder Kristian Schneider. Especially note the elaborate finial that caps the buttress at left.
One other Sullivan specialty, stained-glass windows, are also visible here. But we'll have to walk inside the bank to see them in their proper glory. And so we shall, soon.
The other photos and descriptions of this series can be found in my Geology & Botany of the Sullivan Jewel Boxes album.